WORLD COUNCIL
OF CHURCHES
Central Committee
Minutes of the Fifty-Eighth Meeting
Geneva, Switzerland
26 August - 2 September 2009
Central Committee
World Council of Churches
Minutes of the Fifty-Eighth Meeting
Geneva, Switzerland
26 August - 2 September 2009
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2019 with funding from
World Council of Churches
https://archive.org/details/fiftyeighthmeetiOOunse
Minutes of the
Meeting of the Central Committee
of the World Council of Churches
26 August - 2 September 2009
Geneva Switzerland
Contents
1 MORNING PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY . 6
1 . 1 Interconfessional common prayer . 6
1.2 Bible study . 6
1 .3 Farewell to the general secretary . . 7
1.4 In memoriam . 8
1 .5 Rededication of the plenary hall . 1 6
2 OPENING ACTIONS . 16
2.1 Call to order . 16
2.2 Roll call . 17
2.2. 1 Reading of the roll . 1 7
2.2.2 Seating of substitutes . 1 7
2.2.3 Apologies . 17
2.2.4 Other participants . 17
2. 2. 5 Special guests . 17
2.2.6 Stewards . 17
2.3 Adoption of agenda . 17
2.4 Minutes of the previous meeting . 1 8
2.5 Consensus procedures . 18
2.6 Membership of committees . 18
3 MODERATOR’S ADDRESS . 18
3.1 Actions arising from the moderator’s address . 20
4 GENERAL SECRETARY’S REPORT . 20
4.1 Actions arising from the report of the general secretary . 23
5 PLENARY ON THE INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL PEACE
CONVOCATION . 24
6 PLENARY ON CHURCH AND SOCIETY . 27
6. 1 Panel presentations . 27
6.2 Decalogue sculpture . 28
6.3 Discussion . 28
6.4 Summary reflections . 29
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7 PUBLIC ISSUES
29
7.1 Proposed actions on public issues . 29
7.2 First report of the public issues committee . 30
7.3 Second report of the public issues committee . 30
7.4 Action on public issues - first session . 32
7.4. 1 Minute on the right of conscientious objection to military service . 32
7.4.2 Statement on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law and the security of
religious minorities in Pakistan . 34
7.4.3 Statement of hope in a year of opportunity: seeking a nuclear weapon
free world . 36
7.4.4 Progress report of the study on genocide in the context of the “Darfur
Crisis” . 38
7.4.5 Statement on the Darfur crisis in the context of Sudan . 45
7.5 Action on public issues - second session . 47
7.5. 1 Statement on just finance and the economy of life . 47
7.5.2 Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt . 50
7.5.3 Statement on sexual violence against women in the Democratic
Republic of Congo . 55
7.5.4 Statement on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 5 8
7.5.5 Statement on caste-based discrimination . .61
7.5.6 Minute on the situation facing the Methodist Church in Fiji and
Rotuma . 64
7.5. 7 Minute on the responsibility of churches for communities enduring anti-
Christian violence . 67
7.6 Prayers on the public issues . 68
8 ASSEMBLY . 71
8. 1 Report of the assembly discernment committee . 71
8.2 Actions arising from the report of the assembly discernment
COMMITTEE . 72
8.3 Report on the assembly venue search process . 73
8.4 Selection of the assembly venue . 74
8. 4. 1 Policy reference committee ’s narrative report . 75
8.4.2 Plenary discussion and decisions . 76
9 ELECTION OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY . 77
9. 1 Introduction and procedures . 77
9.2 Report of the search committee . 77
9.3 Remarks of the nominees . 77
9.4 Deliberation . 78
9.5 Election . 78
9.6 Reception . 78
10 FINANCE . 79
1 0. 1 Preliminary financial report . 79
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10.1.1 Introduction . 79
10.1.2 2008 Financial report . 79
10.1.3 Gen era l reserves . 79
10.1.4 Revised budget 2009 . 80
10.1.5 Results to July 2009 compared to revised budget . 80
10.1.6 Future perspectives . 81
10.1.7 Income strategy . 82
10.1.8 Pension fund . 82
10.1.9 Governance . 82
1 0.2 Hearing on the report of the finance committee . 83
1 0.3 Actions arising from the finance committee report . 83
1 0. 3. 1 Financial statements 2008 . 83
10.3.2 Audit committee report . 84
10.3.3 Review of the results to July 2009 and related stewardship issues . 85
10.3.4 Reflections on the report of the general secretary and the address of the
moderator . 86
1 0. 3. 5 Revision of the audit committee mandate . 86
10.3.6 Budget 2010 . 87
10.3.7 Review of the framework budgets 201 1-2012 . 88
10.3.8 Income strategy . 88
1 0. 3. 9 Major capital expenditure projects . 89
1 0. 3. 1 0 Capital expenditure, financing and general reserves . 90
10.3.1 1 Status report from the moderator of the pension fund board . 91
10.3. 12 Outstanding issues from prior meetings of the finance committee and
finance subcommittee . 92
11 PROGRAMME. . 93
11.1 Report of the programme committee core group . 93
1 1 .2 Report of the programme committee . 94
1 1.2.1 The role of the committee . 94
11.2.2 Clarifying the role of programme work . 94
1 1.2.3 The implications for programme work . 97
1 1.2.4 Comments of the committee on the sub-group reports . 100
1 1.2.5 Recommendations from consultative bodies . 101
1 1.2.6 Reflection on the committee ’s process . 101
1 1 .3 Actions arising from the report of the programme committee . 1 0 1
12 PERMANENT COMMITTEE ON CONSENSUS AND
COLLABORATION . .102
12.1 Report of the permanent committee . 1 02
12.2 Actions arising from the report of the permanent committee . 1 02
13 REPORT FROM THE PRESIDENTS . 103
14 ECUMENISM IN THE 21ST CENTURY . 103
15 WORKING GROUP ON GOVERNANCE . 103
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15.1 Report of the governance group . 103
1 5.2 Actions arising from the report of the governance group . 104
16 NOMINATIONS . 106
1 6. 1 First presentation of nominations . 1 06
1 6.2 Report of the nominations committee . 1 07
16.3 Naming the “youth body” . 107
1 6.4 By-laws for the CWME, CCI A, EEF and Echos . 107
1 6.5 The membership of governing and consultative bodies . 1 07
1 6.6 Proposal from the women presidents . 109
1 6.7 Proposal from the Pacific churches . 1 1 0
17 STAFFING . 110
1 7. 1 Appointments . 110
1 7.2 Contract Extensions . 113
17.3 Vacancies . 113
1 7.4 Update on staffing since last central committee, February 2008 ..113
17.5 Departures . 116
1 7.6 Seconded staff for the year 2009 . 118
17.7 Former Staff . 118
18 CLOSING ACTIONS . 118
18.1 Evaluation . 118
18.2 Dates of future meetings . 118
18.3 Appreciation . 119
18.4 Closing . 120
19 APPENDIX I - MEMBERS PRESENT . 121
20 APPENDIX II - COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEES OF THE CENTRAL
COMMITTEE . 129
21 APPENDIX III - PROCEDURES FOR THE ELECTION OF THE
GENERAL SECRETARY . 133
22 APPENDIX IV -REPORT OF THE SEARCH COMMITTEE . 136
23 APPENDIX V- FINANCE OVERVIEW . 140
24 APPENDIX VI - REPORT OF THE PRESIDENTS . 143
25 APPENDIX VII - REPORT OF THE GOVERNANCE GROUP . 150
26 APPENDIX VIII - REMIT FOR PERSONNEL COMMITTEE . 170
27 APPENDIX IX - BY-LAWS OF THE COMMISSION ON WORLD MISSION
AND EVANGELISM . 170
28 APPENDIX X - BY -LAWS OF THE COMMISSION OF THE CHURCHES
ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: AN EXPLANATORY NOTE . 175
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29 APPENDIX XI - BY-LAWS OF THE COMMISSION ON EDUCATION AND
ECUMENICAL FORMATION . 176
30 APPENDIX XII - BY-LAWS OF THE ECHOS - COMMISSION ON YOUTH
IN THE ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT . 178
31 APPENDIX XIII - SECONDED STAFF FOR THE YEAR 2009 . 183
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1 Morning prayer and bible study
1.1 Interconfessional common prayer
The central committee gathered for prayer each morning during its meetings, with various
musical settings of Psalm 133 every day drawing the prayer deeper into the theme of
reconciliation.
On Wednesday 26 August 2009, Archbishop Bernard Nti Ntahoturi preached a message
of reconciliation from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20, drawing from his own experience of the
spiritual vision and vocation of shalom in the Burundian context.
On Thursday 27 August, prayer centered on John 8:1-1 1, which includes Jesus’
admonition “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at
her.”
On Friday 28 August, the committee prayed for those of all faiths, singing “help us accept
each other as Christ accepted us.”
On Saturday 29 August, prayer arose through the words of Isaiah 56:1a: “maintain justice
and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand.”
On Sunday 30 August, participants attended local church services throughout Geneva.
On Monday 31 August, the central committee gathered to pray God to “break down the
walls that separate us and unite us in a single body.”
On Tuesday 1 September, the Day of the Protection of the Environment in the Orthodox
calendar, the committee prayed for the healing of creation through the words of Paul in
Romans 8:18-24.
On Wednesday morning 2 September, prayer arose from a reading on Colossians 1 : 15-23a
through the singing of “bind us together, Lord, bind us together with cords that cannot be
broken.”
On Wednesday afternoon 2 September, the central committee gathered for a closing
prayer, calling on God to “weave us together in unity and love.”
1.2 Bible study
On Thursday 27 August, Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka,
offered a Bible study on the theme of “reconciliatory leadership.” Drawing on Acts 6:1-8,
and reflecting on the internal and external pressures within the earliest church community,
Bishop de Chickera proposed that reconciliatory leadership was the ability to address
grievance creatively, in such a way that at the end of the encounter, sooner or later, the
mission and the witness of the church is enhanced.
On Friday 28 August, Bishop de Chickera spoke on “reconciliation amongst religions” or,
as he preferred to rephrase it, “reconciliation amongst people of faith.” He began by
articulating the necessity to seek such reconciliation, based on 2 Cor 5:17-18 and the
reality of the new creation in which all barriers were overcome. Bishop de Chickera then
drew lessons from the gospel stories of Jesus’ encounter with non-Jews, in which Jesus
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publicly declared that “the other” was not outside of grace, but rather was well within the
plans and purposes of God, based on the attributes of God as eternally omnipresent and
life-giving. With this understanding, reconciliation between people of different faiths was
approached as within the one human family, with the one God as parent over all. He
concluded by posing the question of how we should address those fundamentalist and
ultra-traditional groups within our churches that were unwilling or unable to approach
reconciliation in this way.
On Monday 3 1 August, Bishop Duleep de Chickera shared reflections on the theme of
“church and society - tensions and challenges in the work of reconciliation.” He noted
that the church was made up of men and women who were very much part of society,
which means that the church must take responsibility for both the achievements and lapses
of society, and the distinction in the title of the session between “church” and “society”
became artificial. Bishop de Chickera emphasized the obligation of Christians to walk
alongside society’s victims, and to be a presence and a voice on their behalf. He
concluded by challenging the churches to consider their gospel obligation in light of the
historical victimization which had been perpetrated in the name of Christ.
On Tuesday 1 September, Bishop Duleep de Chickera shared on “reconciliation in
creation” by first explicating the covenant role God gave to human beings in creation, to
form a link of stewardship, accountability and harmony between God and the rest of
creation. When humans abdicated their special role, all of creation was destabilized. He
then lifted up the implications of the last supper for our understanding of the new
covenant which could restore the harmony of creation - the elements of bread and wine
symbolizing the collaboration between the earth and human labour, the one cup
symbolizing unity, equality and abundance, and the broken bread symbolizing the
breaking of the bonds of oppression and the embrace of simplicity. He concluded by
challenging the churches to fulfill their role of “pleading” on behalf of creation.
1.3 Farewell to the general secretary
On Sunday afternoon, 30 August, the central committee gathered in the chapel of the
Ecumenical Centre to pray God’s blessing upon Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, and express
profound gratitude for his leadership as general secretary as he prepared to leave the
service of the council at the end of 2009.
Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson, president from the North American region, shared a
sermon on the theme of “coming home”, tracing God’s word of hope - God’s invitation to
the banquet - as it was given to the Hebrew people in exile and continues to be given to
all those who suffer today. “Come back to God. ... Listen, so that we might live. ... Come
home.”
The central committee, staff and ecumenical partners then shared in a farewell dinner for
Rev. Dr Samuel and Mrs Ruth Kobia at the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey.
Representatives of churches, regions and partners offered words and gifts of appreciation
for their extraordinary leadership during their entire ecumenical journey.
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1.4 In Menioriam
Individuals close to the life of the World Council of Churches who had died since the last
meeting of the central committee were remembered in prayer on Wednesday 26 August
2009.
Emeritus Professor Savvas Agouridis (Church of Greece) passed away on 15 February
2009, at the age of 88. Professor of New Testament at the faculties of theology of Athens
(1956 and 1969-1985) and Thessaloniki (1956-1968) universities, he served as president
of the educational and diaconal foundation “Bread of Life” and as a member of the
governmental committee for bioethics. He served on the central committee of the WCC in
the period between Uppsala and Nairobi (1968-1975).
Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow and All Russia, died on 5 December 2008 at the age of
79. He will be remembered for his role in Russia’s post-communist era which saw the
church gain new freedoms, and the restoration of property, battered church buildings and,
its status as an institution at the very heart of the nation’s cultural and political life. Bom
Alexei Mikhailovich Ridiger on 23 February 1929 in Tallinn, he was ordained a priest in
1950, and in 1961 was consecrated bishop of Tallinn and Estonia. From 1964 to 1986 he
held the post of chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate under two patriarchs, Alexei I and
Pimen, and in 1986 became metropolitan of Leningrad (now St Petersburg). He was
elected patriarch in 1990. On the international scene he was a member of the delegation of
the Russian Orthodox Church to the WCC’s third Assembly in New Delhi (1961). He
served as a member of the WCC central committee (1961- 68); was president of the
World Conference on Church and Society (1966) and was a member of the Commission
on Faith and Order (1964-68). Patriarch Alexei served as a member of the presidium of
the Conference of European Churches, and played a key role as its president from 1987
until 1992, a time of enormous change in Europe.
Professor Kwame Bediako passed away in June 2009. He held two doctorates in
linguistics (Bordeaux, France) and theology (Aberdeen, UK) and engaged in prolific
research producing publications on the meaning and significance of African Christian
theology. He founded the Akrofi Christeller Memorial Center, near Accra, Ghana for
studies in missiology, theology and culture in Africa. He was well known for his book
Jesus in A frica.
Bishop David Beetge died on 27 September 2008 at the age of 59. He was a bishop and
Dean of the Anglican Church of South Africa. His solid theological education and deeply
rooted spirituality contributed to his effectiveness as a leader in the church in South Africa
as it underwent a process of profound transformation. He dedicated his life to the people
of his diocese who are facing the deadly forces of poverty, the HIV and AIDS pandemic,
high rates of unemployment and growing levels of migration. He was Anglican Co-Chair
of the International Anglican/Roman Catholic Commission for Unity and Mission.
Father Vitaly Borovoy who died on 7 April 2008 at the age of 93, played a leading role
in the movement for Christian reconciliation and unity. He served as representative of the
Russian Orthodox Church at the WCC (1962-66 and 1978-85), member of the Faith and
Order Commission and assistant director of the Secretariat for Faith and Order (1966-
1972), deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow
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Patriarchate (1985-1995). He was an observer at the Second Vatican Council, one of the
visionaries of the theological dialogue between the Chalcedonian and non-Chalcedonian
(Eastern and Oriental Orthodox) churches, a church historian who would read and
interpret the signs of the times.
Rev. Richard D. N. Dickinson died on 24 May 2008 at the age of 78. He served as
president of Christian Theological Seminary from 1986-1997. Prior to becoming
president, he was the academic dean of CTS from 1974-1986. He was the first minister of
the United Church of Christ to lead this seminary of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ). Dickinson served on the WCC staff in the 1960s when he wrote the sociological
report that was published by Oxford University Press as The Christian College in
Developing India. He later wrote the WCC publications Poor, Yet Making Many Rich in
1983 and Economic Globalization: Deepening Challenge for Christians in 1998. He was
deeply involved in the process leading up to the AGAPE document.
Cardinal Avery Dulles died at age 90 on 12 December 2008. A cardinal in the Roman
Catholic Church, he was known for his friendship with the US national council of
churches’ Faith and Order commission. Cardinal Dulles, who grew up in a prominent
Presbyterian family with close links to the ecumenical movement, became a Catholic
following a period of deep soul-searching while a student at Harvard in 1941. He joined
the Society of Jesus after his discharge from the Navy in 1946, and was ordained in 1956.
As a professor of religion and society at Fordham University in New York, and as a
visiting professor at more than a dozen colleges and seminaries around the world, Dulles
had a profound impact on the education and spiritual development of thousands of
students. In 2007 he gave an address at the US Faith and Order commission’s 50th
anniversary conference in Oberlin, Ohio. Cardinal Dulles’ address challenged the
ecumenical community with regard to present obstacles on the path to unity and suggested
a way forward.
Bishop Andrew Elisa, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sudan, died on 3 1
December 2008; he was in his late 40s. He founded the ELCS in the 1990s and today
there are more than 80 Lutheran churches, five Lutheran elementary schools and two
kindergartens located throughout Sudan, attended by more than 15,000 baptized
Lutherans.
Rev. David Noel Freedman, former Society of Biblical Literature president (1975-76)
and a professor of history and Judaic studies, died on 8 April 2008 in Petaluma, California
at the age of 85. He attended Princeton Theological Seminary before embarking on
doctoral studies at the Johns Hopkins University under the supervision of William F.
Albright. Freedman held a series of professorial and administrative positions at various
theological seminaries before settling into overlapping tenures at the University of
Michigan, Ann Arbor and the University of California at San Diego. During a career of 60
years, Freedman wrote, co-authored or edited 470 books and articles on biblical subjects.
He was general editor of the Anchor Bible commentary series that pioneered in seeking
authors from a wide variety of Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Jewish, Muslim and secular
scholars.
Dean Freiday, cofounder of the Institute for Catholic and Quaker Studies, died 4 March
2008 at the age of 92. A member of the Religious Society of Friends, he was a delegate to
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three assemblies of the WCC. He worked as a journalist at Vatican II and as an observer-
consultant to the 3rd World Conference of the Lay Apostolate at the Vatican in 1967. He
served on the board of the US Conference of the WCC. A member of the US Faith and
Order commission, Dean Freiday worked hard to ensure that Friends continued to be
actively engaged in the Faith and Order dialogues.
Archbishop John Grindrod died on 4 January 2009 at the age of 89. He was the seventh
Archbishop of Brisbane and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia. He forged
strong ties between the Anglican and Roman Catholic archdioceses of Brisbane. In 1983,
along with the Catholic Archbishop Francis Rush, he signed a declaration of intention to
work toward greater unity. In 1998, as the Anglican primate, he officially acknowledged
the past mistreatment of Aboriginal people and made a public apology on behalf of the
Anglican Church of Australia. This was an early and significant initiative in the
movement for reconciliation in Australia.
Rev. Canon Carlos Halperin died on 30 April 2009 at the age of 64. He was an Anglican
priest from Argentina and promoted ecumenism in his country and beyond its borders,
particularly through his work on the week of prayer for Christian unity. He was a
professor of theology, and for five years president of the Evangelical school of theological
studies, or University Institute (ISEDET), in Buenos Aires.
Monsignor Don Julian Garcia Hernando died on 30 June 2008 at the age of 88. He was
the founder of the Missionaries of Unity and dedicated his life to building bridges of
peace, dialogue and brotherhood. He was a professor and later vice-chancellor of
Valladolid seminary. He then became chancellor of Segovia Seminary in 1950. In 1962 he
founded the Missionary Institute for Unity, for the promotion of Christian unity through
the practice of ecumenism as recommended by Vatican II in the decree Unitatatis
redintegratio. He started the National Secretariat for Ecumenism of the Spanish Episcopal
Conference, which after Vatican II became the Episcopal Commission of
Interconfessional Relations. His pastoral work centered on the promotion of unity
amongst Christians through his work in the National Secretariat and that of the Missionary
Institute of Unity. He worked as vice-secretary in the Christian Interconfessional
Committee. He was professor of ecumenism in the Toledo Seminary (1976-1993) and in
the Theology Faculty of Northern Spain in Burgos (1979-1993), as well as lecturer in
several institutes in Spain and other countries. He participated in the Uppsala, Nairobi,
Vancouver and Canberra Assemblies, as well as at assemblies of the Conference of
European Churches, and the Faith and Order conference at Santiago de Compostela in
1991.
Leon Howell, died on 25 February 2009 at the age of 73. He was the former editor of
Christianity and Crisis magazine and the author of Acting in Faith: the World Council of
Churches since 1975, published in 1982 prior to the Vancouver Assembly. He was very
active in the National Christian Student Movement and the Urban-Rural Mission
Programme of the WCC. Howell, with his friend Betty Thompson, was instrumental in
writing the “message” of the world mission conference in San Antonio, 1 989. He travelled
widely and wrote extensively. He was a leading proponent of the social dimension of the
Christian gospel.
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Clement John, died suddenly on 2 June 2008 at the age of 66. He was an accomplished
lawyer, yet his career came to be shaped by his dedication to the Church of Pakistan and
the ecumenical movement toward Christian unity. As a young man, he was politically
active in the National Student Federation, the Young Lawyer’s Association and the
Pakistan People’s Party even as he served on the board of directors of the YMCA of
Karachi and became a founding member of the joint committee for justice and peace of
the Karachi dioceses of the Church of Pakistan and the Roman Catholic Church. In 1983,
he left a prestigious partnership in a Pakistani law firm for a post in Hong Kong as
executive secretary for international affairs of the Christian Conference of Asia (CCA). In
that role, he became an organizer and the first general secretary of both the Asian Human
Rights Commission and the Asian Legal Resource Centre. In 1993, he joined the staff of
the international affairs department of the WCC in Geneva. He specialized in the areas of
human rights and the Asia-Pacific region, but his intellect and profound concern are
reflected in almost every aspect of the public witness of the WCC. By the time of his
official retirement from the WCC in 2006, he was serving as director of the Commission
of the Churches on International Affairs. Two days before his death he completed the
draft of his book Religion. State and Intolerance. Pakistan - 60 Years’ Intermix of
Religion and Politics which has since been published by the WCC.
Rev. Kosuke Koyama, a main speaker at the 50th anniversary of the WCC at its Harare
Assembly in 1998, died on 25 March 2009 at the age of 79. He was professor emeritus of
ecumenical studies at Union Theological Seminary in New York, the first Asian appointed
to the faculty at the seminary, and was an important figure in the development of global
Christianity. He taught courses in Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism
- and showed students how these faiths could infonn Christian commitment. Of his many
writings, the best-known book was Water-Buffalo Theology.
Bruno Kroker, ecumenical journalist, died on 1 1 June 2009 at the age of 93. He fled his
native Germany during the Third Reich and worked as a journalist in China before
becoming a communicator for the national council of churches in the USA, the WCC and
the United Presbyterian Church in the USA. In the 1970s he was a familiar figure to
journalists who covered the ecumenical movement. For a decade after coming to America,
he worked with CROP, the food appeal related to Church World Service. The decade
following saw him as an information officer with the US national council of churches.
From 1970 to 1974, Kroker did information work for the United Presbyterian Church. He
was thereafter senior press officer for the World Council of Churches in Geneva, and in
1977 he became press officer for the U.S. Office of the WCC in New York, retiring in
1980.
Bishop Werner Krusche, bishop of the Evangelical Church of the Church Province of
Saxony (1968-1983), died on 24 July 2009 at the age of 91. From 1981 to 1983 he also
headed the Federation of Evangelical Churches in the German Democratic Republic as
chairperson of the Conference of Evangelical Church Boards (Konferenz der
Evangelischen Kirchenleitungen). Born in 1917, Krusche broke off his university career
in Heidelberg in 1954 when the church leadership in Saxony requested that he return to
the communist-ruled East. Krusche served as a member of the consultative committee and
of the presidium of the Conference of European Churches. His keynote address in 1971 at
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CEC’s 6th assembly in Nyborg, Denmark, was seen as making an important contribution
to promoting cooperation between East and West at the time of the Cold War.
Rev. William Lazareth, a US Lutheran bishop, pastor, scholar, professor, ecumenical
officer and advocate for church unity, died in February 2008 at the age of 79. Lazareth
played a key role in overseeing the drafting of the 1982 WCC text on “Baptism, Eucharist
and Ministry”. He served as bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and was the author of many books and articles.
Rev. In-Ha Lee has passed away at the age of 83. He was ordained at the Kwasaki
Korean Church of Tokyo in 1959 to serve the Korean people who were forced to labour
under Japanese colonialism. He championed the struggle against discrimination felt by
Koreans in Japanese society and became active in the WCC’s Programme to Combat
Racism. In the 1980s he led a campaign against the forced finger-printing of all aliens in
Japan. An ecumenical and intercultural statesman, he rose to the chairmanship of the
National Christian Council of Japan.
Dr Christa Lewek, who died at the age of 81 on 28 March 2008, was secretary of the
church and society commission and deputy head of the secretariat of the Federation of
Evangelical Churches in the German Democratic Republic. She retired in 1988. Until
1969, when the federation was founded, Dr Lewek had been a staff member for the
Evangelical Church in Germany, which then covered the two German states. Dr Lewek
served as a commissioner of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs
(CCIA).
Chiara Lubich passed away on 14 March 2008 at the age of 88. In 1943 her charisma
gave birth to the Focolare movement that spread within her life-time to all regions of the
world. Focusing on the spirituality of unity, she had a profound impact on the ecumenical
movement and helped significantly to foster viable relationships between churches of
different Christian traditions. She challenged the Focolare movement to give credible
witness to the presence of Christ also in the spheres of economy and politics. She also
became more and more convinced that inter-religious dialogue and cooperation in full
respect for the religious convictions of the other are necessary expressions of Christian
love.
Rev. Jaci Maraschin died on 29 June 2009 at the age of 80. He was a Brazilian
theologian, ecumenist, poet, musician and liturgist who served the WCC and the Anglican
Communion for many years. A priest of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, he was
the general secretary of the Brazilian Association of Theological Seminaries. For many
years he was a member of the WCC standing commission on Faith and Order and
contributed to its studies. He co-published a collection of songs called: The Lord’s Song in
the Brazilian Land. He was also one of the translators of the worship book for the WCC
Vancouver Assembly and a member of the worship committee at the WCC Canberra
Assembly. In recent years he was one of the facilitators in the Anglican Communion’s
discernment process related to issues of human sexuality.
Hugh McCuIlum died on 16 October 2008 at the age of 76. He edited the Canadian
Churchman (predecessor to the Anglican Journal) from 1968 to 1975. Hugh McCuIlum
was known as an activist journalist who championed social justice causes. In 1989 he took
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charge of the information unit of a research and documentation organization in Zimbabwe
and stayed in Africa for 13 years. There he also worked as director of information and
communications for the Nairobi-based All Africa Conference of Churches. He later served
as a senior communications and organization consultant for the WCC, and as publisher
and regional training editor of the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre.
McCullum’s countless books and publications were a reflection of his belief that the
church needs to be a voice of the marginalized. Among his publications were Africa ’s
Broken Heart (2007), The Angels Have Left Us (2005), Voices from Palestine (2007) and
In God’s Hands : Common Prayer for the World (co-edited with Terry MacArthur, 2006).
Bishop Julius Danaraj Paul died at the age of 63 on 22 November 2008 in Guatemala
while on a boating trip. A bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, he was
a member of the Council of the Lutheran World Federation and president of the Standing
Committee for the LWF’s World Service.
Archbishop Nerses Pozapalian passed away on 27 June 2009 at the age of 72. He was
one of the senior members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin and a devoted servant
of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. From 1963 to 1965 Nerses studied theology at
the College of the Resurrection in Yorkshire, England. Upon his return from England, he
served as the dean of Gevorkian Theological Seminary until 1969. From 1969 to 1970 he
studied at the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey in Geneva and served as the spiritual pastor
for the Swiss-Armenian community from 1969 to 1972. He was Primate of the Diocese of
England from 1973 to 1982 and in 1974 he was consecrated as a bishop. In 1986 Bishop
Pozpalian was elevated to the rank of Archbishop. He served on the central committee of
the WCC, the Jinishian Benevolent Foundation, and established the Bible Society of
Armenia in 1982. In 1999, he was elected as full member of the Humanitarian Academy
of Russia.
Vaoalimanga Suzette Razanadrakoto passed away suddenly on 25 July 2009 at the age
of 58. She was a WCC central committee member from the Church in Madagascar. From
her youth she was dedicated to the church. She was the executive secretary of the Tabita
centre of the women’s department in the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM).
She was an avid promoter of formation and education for women, and responsible for
projects that supported fanners and young women. She was a member of the women’s
department of the Council of Christian Churches in Madagascar, a pennanent member of
the cabinet of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Madagascar and a women’s
representative in CEVAA’s «la caravane des femmes pour la paix».
Rev. Jacques Rossel died on 4 November 2008 at the age of 93. He lent his active
support to Protestant churches in Switzerland as well as to worldwide ecumenism. He
served as a pastor and taught theology in India, acted as a member of the central and the
executive committees of the WCC and other boards, and was a founding member of the
Cooperation of Protestant Churches and Missions in German-speaking Switzerland. For
two decades (1959-1979), he was the President of Basel Mission.
Prof. Todor Sabev, former deputy general secretary of the WCC, died on 13 September
2008 at the age of 80. Born in Bulgaria, he was an eminent lay theologian and church
historian, a pioneer of the ecumenical movement in the Eastern European and Orthodox
contexts. He faithfully served the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. Professor of church history
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at the Theological Academy of Sofia, he founded and headed the Institute for Church
History and Archives of the Bulgarian Patriarchate. Soon after the Bulgarian Orthodox
Church joined the WCC in 1961 he was appointed a member of the Ecumenical
Commission and, later, when the Commission was transformed into a department for
Inter-church and Ecumenical Relations he was appointed deputy chairman. From 1968-
1975, he served as a member of the central and executive committees of the WCC and
vice-moderator of CICARWS. He joined the staff of the WCC in 1979 as deputy general
secretary, offering leadership to the department on Unity and Witness and facilitating
relationships with the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. His contribution
to the Sofia Consultation in 1981, focusing on Orthodox participation in the WCC, his
leadership of the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic
Church, his involvement with the Christian World Communions and the bi-lateral
theological dialogues constitute only a small part of the ecumenical legacy he leaves.
Rev. Madge Saunders died on 3 March 2009 at the age of 96. She trained at St Colm’s
Edinburgh and served at St James Sheffield from 1965-1975. She was the only black
woman to be ordained deaconess in the Presbyterian Church of England, and the first
woman to be ordained to ministry of word and sacrament in the United Church in Jamaica
and the Cayman Islands. The legacy of her ministry has long been memorialized in the
Madge Saunders Centre, a church conference facility and gathering place for youth in
Jamaica. Her story is one of those told in the book Daughter of Dissent.
The Rev. Dr William J. Schmidt died on 10 August 2009. He was a church historian and
biographer of ecumenical pioneers and a devoted supporter of the WCC where he served
as a volunteer for the New York Office. A Presbyterian minister, he was a retired
professor of theology at St. Peter’s College, Jersey City, N.J. He taught church history at
New York Theological Seminary before becoming the first ordained Protestant scholar to
teach theology at St. Peter’s, the Jesuit college of New Jersey. He was also an officer of
the North American Academy of Ecumenists.
Bishop Albrecht Schonherr, who died on 10 March 2009 at the age of 97, was bishop of
the eastern region of the Evangelical Church in Berlin Brandenburg at a time when this
church was divided between east and west. A student of Dietrich Bonheoffer, Bishop
Schonherr played a decisive role in the foundation in 1969 of the Federation of
Evangelical Churches in the German Democratic Republic as a separate body from the
Evangelical Church in Germany. He was the federation’s first head, as chairperson of the
Conference of Evangelical Church Boards, serving in this role until his retirement in
1981. He described the task of Protestantism in the GDR of being that of a “Church within
Socialism”. Bishop Schonherr led federation representatives to a meeting in March 1978
with the then GDR leader Erich Honecker, which brought improvements for the work of
the churches in the GDR
Rev. Dr David T. Shannon died on 22 March 2009 at the age of 74. He was the first
African American president of Andover Newton Theological School and a pastor in the
American Baptist Church as well as an educator, representative and author. He led an
international Baptist task- force on dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church and won
numerous awards for his work in furthering dialogue between African American and
Jewish communities in Atlanta. He also held positions with the National Council of
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Churches, the WCC and the Baptist World Alliance. In addition to his other positions in
academia. Shannon served as the dean of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, the dean
of faculty for the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia and the
president of Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina.
Krister Stendahl, dean and a member of the faculty of Harvard Divinity School and a
former bishop of Stockholm, Sweden, died on 15 April 2008 at the age of 86. In his native
Sweden, Stendahl was Bishop of Stockholm from 1984 to 1988, leading a reform effort on
issues such as women’s ordination, gay and lesbian rights, and the relationship of church
and state. At a time when the ecumenical movement was taking its initial and tentative
steps into interreligious dialogue he was a courageous and outspoken leader. He chaired
the WCC Consultation on the Church and the Jewish People, a commission that prepared
the way for much of the important interfaith work of the last 30 years. He is best known in
the wider ecumenical movement for his attempts to bring Christians together at the
ecumenical table and to challenge them to see the beauty and value in other religious
traditions. His contribution to Christian self-understanding amidst religious plurality,
particularly in Jewish-Christian relations, has been exceptional.
Rev. Frank Eiji Sugeno died on 27 December 2008 at the age of 84. He was professor
emeritus of church history at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. He was a
teacher, historian, missiologist and advocate of ecumenism. He served as secretary of the
Historical Society of the Episcopal Church and convener of the Seminary Consultation on
Mission and the Conference of Anglican Church Historians. He also taught at the
Ecumenical Institute, Bossey. He wrote works in the areas of ecumenics, missiology and
Episcopal Church history. He helped organize pan-Anglican missiological symposia in
Asia, Africa and Latin America that involved seminarians from US Episcopal institutions
and throughout the global South.
Sir John Marks Templeton, a man who first made his mark as an international investor,
died on 8 July 2008 at the age of 95. He established the annually awarded Templeton
Prize in 1972 as a “Nobel”-like award for “progress in religion”. In 1987 Templeton
established a foundation in his own name to administer the prize and to support research
on religious themes such as free will, spirituality and “ultimate reality”. A particular
interest of his, on which he wrote and spoke, was the relationship between science and
religion. He endowed a number of institutions of higher education including Templeton
College (now Green Templeton College), Oxford. He was knighted in 1987 by Queen
Elizabeth II for his philanthropy.
Metropolitan Emilianos (Timiadis) passed away 22 February 2008 at the age of 91. He
served as Permanent Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the WCC from
1959 to 1984. He was a distinguished hierarch of his church, a well known theologian, a
prolific writer and a committed ecumenist involved in the life of the WCC as well as in
bilateral theological dialogues. A man of prayer, Metropolitan Emilanos was known for
his genuine spiritual life, his commitment to a monastic life and his effort to contribute to
the renewal of monasticism. Together with a Roman Catholic priest from Spain,
Monsignor Hernando Garcia, he organized the interconfessional meetings of male and
female religious over several decades. During his last years, he frequently visited and
lived for a while with the Monastic Community of Bose, in Italy.
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Hanna Cheriyan Varghese, a leading figure in Malaysian Christian art, died on 12 June
2009. She represented the Malaysian Council of Churches through her participation in the
Asian Christian Association, becoming vice-president of the organization from 1998-
2003. Her beautiful art work adorned many important ecumenical gatherings within the
country and beyond.
Rev. Dr Lukas Vischer died on 1 1 March 2008 at the age of 8 1 . He joined the staff of the
WCC as a young theologian in 1961 and participated in the New Delhi Assembly of the
WCC with staff responsibility for the statement on church unity. Afterwards, he was sent
as an observer to the Second Vatican Council. One fruit of the Second Vatican Council
was the Joint Working Group between the WCC and the Roman Catholic Church, and
Vischer served as its first co-secretary. He was Faith and Order director from 1966 to
1979 during which time he initiated and shaped various study processes, in particular the
study on Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. He continued to contribute to the ecumenical
movement after he left the WCC in 1979, especially in the Conciliar Process for Justice,
Peace and the Integrity of Creation that followed the 1983 Vancouver Assembly and
culminated in a World Convocation in 1990 in Seoul. It was to a large extent thanks to
him that the WCC and the Conference of European Churches began to work on climate
change. He served as a theology professor at the University of Bern and inspired the work
of the John Knox International Reformed Center of Geneva and the World Alliance of
Reformed Churches.
Rev. Martin Wessels of the Moravian Church in South Africa died on 22 August 2008 at
the age of 79. From 1992 to 1994, he served as the first president of the united Moravian
Church in South Africa. Before that, the Moravian Church in South Africa was split along
racial lines, with colored people in one church and Africans in another. He was
chairperson of the (colored) Moravian Church for three consecutive terms, from 1980
until 1992. He also served his church as a WCC central committee member.
1.5 Rededication of the plenary hall
On Wednesday 26, August 2009, immediately following the opening worship, the central
committee gathered in a dialogue of praise, dedicating the newly-renovated plenary hall in
memory of the first general secretary of the World Council of Churches, Willem A. Visser
‘t Hooft.
2 Opening actions
2.1 Call to order
The central committee met in decision session. Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, moderator of the
Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, called the 58lh meeting of the
central committee to order at 9:33 a.m. on 26 August 2009 and welcomed all those
present.
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2.2 Roll call
2.2.1 Reading of the roll
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, greeted the
committee and called the roll of members present (see Appendix I). The moderator
declared the meeting to be properly seated with a quorum in attendance.
2.2.2 Seating of substitutes
The general secretary read the names of those proposed by their churches as substitutes
for this meeting of the central committee. The seating of these members was approved by
consensus.
2.2.3 Apologies
The general secretary read the names of those sending apologies to this meeting. He noted
that Rev. Dr Simon Kossi Dossou, one of the presidents, had an accident while traveling
to attend this meeting, and was currently in hospital.
2.2.4 Other participants
The general secretary welcomed the participation of moderators of commissions and
advisory groups, advisors from international ecumenical organizations, advisors from
Christian world communions, advisors from regional ecumenical organizations, advisors
from national councils of churches, advisors from specialized ministries, delegated
observers, and other advisors, observers and guests.
2.2.5 Special guests
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia offered a special welcome to Dr Emilio Castro, the fourth general
secretary of the WCC. At later points during the meeting, Bishop Rolf Koppe and Rev. Dr
Konrad Raiser, the fifth general secretary of the WCC, were also received with a warm
welcome and gratitude for their presence.
2.2.6 Stewards
The general secretary introduced the 27 young people from 25 countries who were serving
as stewards for this meeting. At a later point in the meeting, the stewards introduced
themselves by name, church and country, and invited the central committee to participate
in a labyrinth they constructed in the garden of the ecumenical centre.
2.3 Adoption of agenda
The agenda was presented by the general secretary and adopted by consensus.
It was noted that, at the last meeting of the central committee, a decision was taken to
include a session on communications at the 2009 meeting. Mr Mark Beach, Director of
Communications, stated that it had not been possible to create time for the envisioned
session at this meeting, but that he intended to bring it forward to both the executive
committee in 2010 and central committee in 201 1.
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2.4 Minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the February 2008 meeting of the central committee were presented by the
general secretary. No corrections being proposed, the minutes were approved by
consensus as published.
2.5 Consensus procedures
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann introduced Dr Jill Tabart, Uniting Church in Australia, who was
serving this meeting as a consultant for the consensus procedures. Dr Tabart presented an
overview of the spirit and practice of consensus, as a reminder to the members, after
which the committee took time for discussion in table groups.
As stipulated in Rule XX. 5. a, the officers appointed the following central committee
members to serve as recorders during decision sessions: Rev. Judy Angelberger, Rev.
Gregor Henderson, Rev. Will Ingram, Ms Anne Glynn Mackoul, Rev. Frank Schurer-
Behrmann and Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele.
2.6 Membership of committees
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia reviewed the membership of the committees (see Appendix II).
Corrections and changes were made, after which the membership of committees was
confirmed by the central committee.
3 Moderator’s Address
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and invited
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, moderator of the World Council of Churches, to present his
address to the committee.
The address focused on the themes of ecumenical ownership and commitment. Drawing
on John 6, the moderator called attention to the consequences of discipleship. He noted
that any discussion about “ownership” of the ecumenical movement must recognize, first
of all, that we are already “owned” by the ecumenical movement, just as God’s own
action of salvation - and our participation in the body of Christ - is always prior to any
response of faithfulness and commitment. Our responsibility for stewardship of the
ecumenical movement must always be tempered by the modesty of knowing that the
movement ultimately belongs to God, who works through it in His own way.
The moderator then described several “false dichotomies” - concepts or attitudes which
separate from one another elements which are central to the life of the church. Rather than
recognized and affirmed as complementary to each other, these elements may even be
played off one against the other. For instance, an emphasis on doctrine which would
underplay action, for example social action, thus turns doctrine into a false, hypocritical
and vain intellectual endeavor. On the other hand, an emphasis on action, which dismisses
doctrine as irrelevant, loses its spiritual roots and therefore becomes empty and weak, like
a house built upon shallow foundations.
Following on his recent address to the assembly of the World Federation for Diaconia, the
moderator highlighted another false dichotomy, in which diakonia is considered of lower
value than mission, rather than seeing mission in a holistic way and diakonia as an
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essential dimension of mission itself. Acts 6 must be seen as the sharing of responsibilities
within the one ministry in the Church which derives from Christ’s ministry.
Turning to the context of this meeting, the moderator noted the global financial crisis and
also called to mind several important occasions for celebration and commemoration
during 2009, including:
• the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin (1509)
» the 20th anniversary of the Encyclical of H.A.H. the Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I
on the enviromnent (1989)
• the 40th anniversary of the emergence of liberation theology through the presentation
of Gustavo Gutierrez at a WCC-sponsored congress at Cartigny (1969)
• the eve of the 100th anniversary of the World Missionary Conference of Edinburgh
(1910)
• the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall (1989)
• the 20th anniversary of Namibia’s transition to independence, the last country in
Africa to emerge from colonialism (1989)
• the 20th anniversary of the end of military dictatorship in Chile (1989)
Looking to the future, the moderator noted that the election of Barack Obama as president
of the United States had brought about a strong wave of hope throughout the world. In
that spirit of hope, this central committee would make critical decisions about the next
period in the life of the World Council of Churches. In a changing ecclesial, ecumenical
and global situation, the moderator urged the central committee to address anew “the
vision thing” with three factors in mind: that we cannot achieve church unity with change;
that the new ecumenical framework was in front of our eyes but yet we still seem not able
to describe and/or define it; and that there could be no ecumenical movement other than
the one built on trust.
Returning to the story in John 6, the moderator noted that, when Jesus asked the twelve if
they wished to leave him, Simon Peter replied “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the
words of eternal life.” Likewise, having come so far together, we cannot turn back and be
content with our own particularities as diverse churches. Rather, we persevere in seeking
unity among the churches, with those we have recognized as sisters and brothers sharing
the one faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, to the glory of God Father, Son and
Holy Spirit.
In plenary discussion, members of the central committee highlighted concern for the
growth of anti-religious sentiment in secular societies; the importance of the climate
change negotiations in Copenhagen this year; the impact of the living letters visits; the
plea for solidarity with Christians experiencing persecution; the significance of the
churches’ participation in peaceful movements for social change; an observation that the
WCC seemed subject to a dialectic between centrifugal and centripetal forces, and that
fragmentation may be a distinctive feature of protestantism; and the challenge many of
our Orthodox members face, with accusations from within that ecumenism constitutes a
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“pan-heresy.” The moderator responded with gratitude for the many contributions which
served to compliment his own reflections.
H. E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima announced a change of category to
decision session. The central committee received the address of the moderator by
consensus and forwarded it to the policy reference committee for consideration.
The moderator’s address will be published in full in Ecumenical Review , volume 62, no.
I, March 2010.
3.1 Actions arising from the moderator’s address
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session. Upon
recommendation of the policy reference committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to receive the address of the moderator, “Ecumenical Ownership” with appreciation,
especially his consideration concerning the churches’ ownership of the ecumenical
instruments they have created, the emphasis on the role of diakonia in the life of the
church and on reconciliation. In welcoming the reflection on diakonia , the central
committee especially recognizes the successful formation of the ACT Alliance by the
specialized ministries.
4 General Secretary’s Report
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a hearing session and invited Rev.
Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, to present his
report to the committee.
The general secretary delivered a report entitled “The Courage to Hope and the Future of
the Ecumenical Movement” in which he offered his reflections on the present and future
of the WCC.
Citing the current global financial crisis, the general secretary offered his gratitude for the
recent papal encyclical Caritas in Veritate, which reveals the great consensus among
major church traditions that we have to focus on the needs of the poor, the role of labour
and the relationship with creation. True grace is costly. We cannot expect to find it
cheaper. A relevant witness of the churches in today’s world is no longer possible if
churches stay divided and cannot demonstrate to the world that the transformative power
of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the driving force in making the whole church a sign and
foretaste of a united humanity that cares for each other and for this planet. Yet he
cautioned against simple juxtapositions between unity and truth, or unity and diversity,
noting that deep divisions still exist within the fellowship of the WCC.
Reminding the central committee that “the courage to hope” - rooted in the African
experience - has been the central theme of his personal ecumenical journey, he cautioned
against the false hope that the world may offer, in contrast to the true hope which is made
known in the cross and resurrection. His ministry as general secretary had been a
profoundly pastoral one, embodying the solidarity of the fellowship with churches in
difficult situations; through this ministry he had witnessed the unbroken humanity of the
victims through the glimpses of hope in their eyes. Inspired and encouraged by these
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experiences, he came to recognize “transformative justice” as the other theme that
complemented the “courage to hope” on his faith journey as general secretary.
The general secretary spoke powerfully about the engagement of the ecumenical
fellowship with situations such as the occupation of Palestinian territories, the
vulnerability of migrant communities, and the urgency of climate change in the Pacific
region. He then emphasized the engagement of young people in Christ’s mission today,
recalling the message he preached to a youth gathering in Kerala that “the world is
burning and God is looking for those who can save it.”
When we concentrate as the WCC on living the fellowship of churches through relational
bonds of solidarity and accompaniment between and among member churches, we are not
searching for the unity of the church as an end in itself, but for the sake of the future of
humanity and all of God’s creation. In this light, the WCC fulfils a series of key roles in
the quest for visible unity:
• The council has a convening role , bringing together ecumenical partners, member
churches and other churches, in the context of an “ecumenical space” for discourse
and agenda-setting.
• The council provides the potential for a common voice with which the churches may
address a clear, prophetic vision to the world.
• The World Council of Churches provides mechanisms of mutual accountability ,
extends solidarity and offers accompaniment for churches and others in demanding
circumstances.
• The WCC is also called to the task of fostering greater coherence within the one
ecumenical movement.
New insights were emerging regarding the unique role of the WCC in the wider
ecumenical movement. The general secretary stated that he is convinced that we are
moving towards greater clarity as to how these insights can be translated into projects and
activities in the programmatic work of the WCC. The council was increasingly embracing
new methodologies, while also discovering challenges of planning, coordination,
efficiency and effectiveness. He particularly commended the report of the governance
group, as being an eloquent and compelling development of the Common Understanding
and Vision of the WCC (CUV).
The general secretary then offered some comments on the draft budget for 2010, noting
that it had not been possible to achieve the executive committee’s targets, and that further
cuts in direct costs could be realized without completely closing down a number of
projects. It would now be necessary to examine the council’s operational structures with a
willingness to consider very radical changes. Although these discussions had begun, the
central committee would need to give decisive direction to the staff in order for this
process to continue. He concluded with an affirmation of the importance of youth
participation in discerning the future that is always incarnated in the present moment.
At the suggestion of Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse
invited a formal response from Echos, the youth body, before moving to plenary
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discussion. Ms Diana Fernandes dos Santos, moderator of Echos, presented the following
message:
Thank you general secretary for this opportunity and especially Echos for the
recognition of the importance and the role of the young people in the context of the
ecumenical movement nowadays. Through my voice, I represent not only with the
voices of 25 young people from various continents but also the voices of so many
young people in this world that are led by Christ and give their hearts in passion for a
cause, a passion for justice and for a better world.
Brothers and sisters, things are changing, including the church and the world around
it. We should not view this as something negative. We are spending too much energy
lamenting over budget cuts and for nostalgia of things past. Instead, let us put our
energy into a new vision for the future of the ecumenical movement in this changing
world. We need to be sure that we are not working only to sustain what we have built.
Are we training the next generation of young people only to be good central
committee members, staff people or a future general secretary of the WCC? Or are
we focused on equipping all people - not just youth but our central committee
members also - to engage the ecumenical movement in all levels of the church and
society, especially on the local level.
It is a privilege and a challenge for us today, as young people, as citizens in this new
era and as Christians, as prophets and announcers of a kingdom of abundance and
justice that we believe God is already preparing for this people and this kingdom can
start to be a reality among us just now. Despite all the conflicts, despite all the crises
in the economic and political scenarios we are facing today, despite all the intolerance
among so many churches in looking for dialogue and transformation...
We have a dream...
... a dream that a more just inclusive society and a peaceful world can be established
as soon as possible. A society not guided by the economic and political interest of the
few but a place where women and men, youth and children can find their own space
to live in dignity and a life full of abundance. A world where no country has power
over another one, a globe not divided in north and south, poor and rich, oppressor and
oppressed when the issue on the table is justice, peace and equality.
We have an ambition...
... a very simple ambition - to see the churches not so worried with institutional and
structural issues but really committed to making a difference in this world. A church
that acts effectively in unity in a society denouncing any kind of oppression, breaking
the systems of exclusion and raising its voice acting in a prophetic way remembering
the examples Jesus left us so many years ago and reminding us every Sunday -
morning or night - when we just find a time in our very busy life to pray and talk
with God. A church much more united than before, much more passionate to
transform the world than in the past, a church that understands the real meaning of its
mission and becomes a protagonist of transformation in this world.
We have a vision...
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There is no present and future for the ecumenical movement if the churches are not
dedicated to the promotion of ecumenical formation for the present and future
generations. Young people in the past were all the time knocking at the doors of our
meetings saying “look at me, give me a voice, and give me an opportunity”. These
same young people are now facing so many challenges in this competitive global
world-unemployment, lack of education, violence, lack of opportunities especially if
you are a woman and black, indigenous or Dalit. To equip and prepare the present
and future generations to use their energy, their expectations, their vision, their
courage to leave old structures and their unbreakable hope with new ways to drive us
forward. We need to create new spaces for ecumenism to be inspired by this
contribution of youth. There is hope and transformation ahead, even though our
present situation might indicate otherwise.
We have a prayer...
May our gifts and talents be offered in a right way in God’s mission.
May our youth be prepared in a better way - in order to be able to understand their
mission and be used to serve in this time.
That the breath of the Holy Spirit be with us during this important meeting,
embracing us with wisdom and giving us sensitive eyes and ears to feel His operation
among us, giving light to face the future of the WCC and the ecumenical movement
in this century and holding our hands to follow His way. In times of crises,
disillusion, despair, in the desert of this oppressive world may the Holy Spirit be the
fresh cloud that leads in the day and the fire that leads us in the night, giving us
straight, faith and hope to see God’s plan for us.
In plenary discussion, participants expressed their gratitude for the general secretary’s
report, and noted in particular how significant the living letters and pastoral visits have
been. Further reflection was offered on the role of Faith and Order; the situation of
minority Christians; the negotiations with the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by His
Special Envoy Simon Kimbangu; the persecution of Christians; the centrality of
overcoming poverty to our work; and the situation in the Darfur region of Sudan. Rev. Dr
Samuel Kobia appreciated the comments and invited members to continue to highlight
these important concerns.
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse announced a change of category to decision
session. The central committee received the report of the general secretary by consensus
and forwarded it to the policy reference committee for consideration.
The general secretary’s report will be published in full in Ecumenical Review , volume 62,
no. 1, March 2010.
4.1 Actions arising from the report of the general secretary
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session. Upon
recommendation of the policy reference committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
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• to receive with appreciation the general secretary’s report, “The Courage to Hope and
the Future of the Ecumenical Movement,” particularly in light of the report’s
emphasis on hope, reconciliation and relationships;
• to emphasize the importance that the WCC continue:
• to exercise its convening role, seeking to provide greater coherence to the
ecumenical movement, providing the churches with mechanisms for mutual
accountability, solidarity and accompaniment with one another, raising a
common voice in prophetic witness to the world, while also emphasizing its work
with ecumenical partners in the regions including through living letters visits,
particularly in areas of conflict;
• to give attention to ecumenical formation and ecumenical education, while
affirming the specific mission of the Ecumenical Institute at Bossey;
• to cherish and foster the involvement of the Roman Catholic Church, especially
considering its full membership in the Faith and Order commission, and active
participation in many other WCC programmes;
• to dialogue with Pentecostal and Evangelical churches through the Global
Christian Forum and other initiatives that the council is taking;
• to address the decisive management and governance issues related to the
council’s future, particularly in light of the financial crisis and including
alternative scenarios;
• to engage the Church of Jesus Christ on Earth by His Special Envoy Simon
Kimbangu in its clarification of its doctrinal position on the Holy Trinity in the
spirit of theological accompaniment during the period until the next central
committee; this process of evaluation with the church to be carried out in
collaboration with the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the
Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC). Progress will be reported to
the executive committee.
5 Plenary on the International ecumenical peace
CONVOCATION
Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson moderated a hearing session on plans for the 201 1
International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). She noted the roots of this
conference in the Programme to Overcome Violence and the Decade to Overcome
Violence (DOV), and called on Rev. Dr Fernando Enns, moderator of the DOV reference
group and moderator of the IEPC planning committee, to introduce the plenary
presentations.
Dr Enns remarked that the convocation will be a time for harvesting the learnings of the
decade, for celebrating what has been achieved, for mourning the victims of violence, for
reflecting on theology and ethics, for prayer and spiritual renewal, and for gathering
creative visions for the work ahead in fulfilling the church’s vocation of the ministry of
healing and reconciliation. He noted that the DOV and the IEPC are a “test case” for the
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new integrated methodologies of ecumenism in the 21st century. The planning committee
sees the opportunity for the ecumenical movement to grow together in unity through this
work, and is determined to make this a major experience in the life of the churches and a
landmark in the life of the World Council of Churches. The theme of “glory to God and
peace on earth” guides all aspects of the convocation and points toward doxology and
spirituality as central to the experience.
Dr Enns reminded the central committee that the assembly gave as the programmatic foci
for the second half of the DOV: the sharing of successful examples through mutual visits
(living letters), the development of an ecumenical declaration on just peace, and the
convocation. The convocation will mark the culmination of the decade, and will focus on
four thematic areas: peace in the community, peace with the earth, peace in the
marketplace and peace among the peoples.
Dr Enns then invited four participants to bring views on the four plenary themes. Prof.
Isabel Apawo Phiri spoke on peace in the community, referring specifically to her context
and the situation of violence against women and children in South Africa. She noted that
research has shown a link between violence against women/children and biblical
constructions of the meaning of womanhood. For her, the important work of raising
awareness on gender-based and sexual violence must be coupled with liberating Bible
study and a discovery of more positive masculinities.
Rev. Aaro Rytkonen spoke on peace with the earth, noting that two emphases are needed:
protection of God’s creation, and the just use of resources. The links between peace and
the environment are very important, including the increasing incidence of violent conflict
fueled by exploitation of natural resources and the increase in violence associated with
poverty and hunger which is exacerbated by climate change. He concluded by stating that
it is urgent to engage with other religions in developing a right relationship with creation.
Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega Suarez then spoke on peace in the marketplace, reminding the
committee of the slogan “trade for people, not people for trade.” She stated that there
would be no peace in the market without justice in the market. For her, this theme
required careful study of the meanings of greed, social security, wealth and poverty.
Greed is itself a fonn of violence, a status in which enough is never enough, in contrast to
the biblical economy of sufficient provision. She pleaded that we listen to alternative
models of the marketplace which emphasize sharing, and that we support small-scale
alternatives which develop an agriculture of liberation and life and an economy of sharing.
She concluded by affirming that “another world is possible - another market is possible.”
Archbishop Bernard Nti Ntahoturi spoke on peace among the peoples from his Burundian
context which had recently emerged from 14 years of political and ethnic conflict over
access to power. There was now an atmosphere of hope in Burundi, where people were
starting to talk to each other and to listen to each other, where the cries were heard, the
joys shared and the suffering felt. In this context of hope, Burundi recently became the
28th country to ratify the Treaty of Pelindaba, thereby bringing into force an Africa-wide
nuclear weapons free zone. Archbishop Bernard concluded by stating that one’s security
lies in the security of one’s neighbor.
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Dr Enns then introduced the process toward an ecumenical declaration on just peace,
reminding the committee that an initial statement had been circulated widely for study,
reflection and comment. A second drafting team, moderated by Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser,
would collect the feedback and develop a final draft for presentation to the central
committee in February 201 1. He urged all WCC churches and partner organizations to
become involved in the process of this declaration.
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima then spoke about the inter-Orthodox
pre-IEPC meeting to be held later in the month in Greece, noting that the Orthodox
churches were always eager to participate in major ecumenical events. In preparation for
the IEPC, the Orthodox churches held a consultation in 2007 on forgiveness, peace and
reconciliation, stating “there is no peace without forgiveness, repentance and metcinoia in
order to reconcile with the other”. A few months ago a consultation was held to explore
orthodox peace ethics, asking questions such as - what is the core teaching of Orthodoxy
on peace? does the Orthodox church endorse war? is war ever holy? is war a lesser evil or
a lesser good? The consultation recognized ways in which certain historical circumstances
have deformed the true teaching of the church, creating self-righteousness and inflicting
pain on the enemy. Through these series of conferences, the Orthodox family of churches
hopes to make a substantive contribution to the IEPC.
Rev. Gary Harriott, general secretary of Jamaican Council of Churches, then spoke on the
context of Kingston Jamaica, sharing the excitement and anticipation of the Caribbean
Conference of Churches and the Jamaican Council of Churches as they have begun
preparations to host the IEPC. Their intention is to make the convocation a memorable
and life-changing experience for those who attend and for all the churches. He noted that
the Caribbean region is known for its beauty, warmth, culture, and athletics, but also for
its high levels of violence. A history of institutionalized slavery, drug trafficking and gang
activity have led to a crisis among young urban men which is also related to issues of the
marketplace and the environment. It is his belief that the convocation will inspire the
churches and the region and will make a significant impact on the Caribbean context. He
also noted that the convocation participants will have the opportunity to engage in direct
service alongside members of the Jamaica Baptist Union in one of their local projects.
Dean Anders Gadegaard shared information on the financing of the convocation, stating
that it was extremely important that as many participants as possible meet in Jamaica in
2011. The goal of the planning committee was for there to be 1,000 delegates, of whom
50% will receive some subsidy. A letter had gone to all the member churches and
partners, requesting funding commitments to be communicated by 15 October 2009. The
fundraising goal was CHF 2.35 million, and pledges and been received for approximately
one third of this amount at present. He urged all member churches to support the
convocation, including helping to reduce pressure on the budget by financing their own
delegations.
In plenary discussion, Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik, moderator of the commission of the
churches on international affairs, expressed his appreciation for the scope of work already
undertaken on the way to Jamaica 201 1 . He noted that the issues of the convocation were
at the core of the CCIA mission, and that he intended to engage the commission in this
work at its next meeting.
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Bishop Martin Schindehutte expressed the enthusiasm and gratitude of the German
churches for the DOV, which had reached the local congregations with particular impact.
He noted, in particular, that the churches would dedicate an entire day at next year’s
Kirchentag for engagement with the themes of the IEPC.
Dr Enns concluded by thanking all those who shared in the plenary presentation, and
inviting all central committee members to be actively engaged in the process toward the
IEPC.
6 Plenary on Church and Society
tin
Dame Dr Mary Tanner moderated a hearing session in honor of the 30 anniversary of the
1979 Church and Society Conference on Faith, Science and the Future (held at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, USA), reflecting on the long¬
standing ecumenical commitment to Christian social witness and the urgency of
continuing that witness today.
Central committee members were asked to reflect in advance of the meeting on the issues
of church in society in their various contexts. The reflections submitted were published on
the council’s website, and reflected a global web of interconnected local issues, conveying
an overall sense of urgency, and of the imperative of Christian togetherness.
6.1 Panel presentations
Three stories, from three contexts were shared in the plenary session.
Ms Geraldine Varea spoke on the current situation of the Methodist Church in Fiji and
Rotuma (noting that she herself was the youngest minister of that church). Since a coup in
2006, the church had maintained what it saw as a prophetic voice by declaring the
government of Fiji to be illegal and refusing to participate in the interim government’s
goal of a multi-faith, multi-ethnic Fiji. In recent months the church had found itself in
serious conflict with the government, resulting in criminal charges against the senior
leadership of the church. Ms Varea noted the critical importance of ecumenical solidarity
in this crisis, giving opportunity for fresh dialogue and calling the church to be an
instrument of reconciliation.
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta Roham (Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
and All the East) shared on the challenges a church in the Middle East is facing - the
Arab/Israeli conflict as a root cause of instability in the region; a growing feeling of
despair among young people; the migration of Christians from the region; and a feeling
that solutions seem to get further and further away. He then noted in particular the
challenges which climate change posed to the region, including drought in traditionally-
fertile lands; unpredictability of the weather; unusual floods and sand storms; and
overconsumption of the underground water reservoirs resulting in a marked drop in the
water table. He reflected that water would soon replace oil as the most sought-after
commodity in the region.
Rev. Michel ine Kamba Kasongo (Church of Christ in Congo-Presbyterian Community of
Kinshasa) and Rev. Dr Elisee Musemakweli (Presbyterian Church in Rwanda) spoke on
the action for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo that was initiated by the
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churches in the Great Lakes sub-region of Africa. They noted that the Great Lakes
Ecumenical Forum had been successful in bringing together political leaders to work
toward putting an end to the instability of the region, and stressed that the church, when
filled with commitment and shared purpose, did have the ability to intervene in situations
of conflict and bring about meaningful change.
6.2 Decalogue sculpture
The central committee gathered in the garden of the ecumenical centre around a sculpture
by Romanian artist Liviu Mocan entitled “invitation/decalogue.” The sculpture was
inspired by the legacy of John Calvin in shaping a just and peaceful society, and was
touring several sites in Geneva on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the birth of
John Calvin. World Council of Churches staff member Rev. Theodore Gill offered
reflections on the importance of the ten commandments in Calvin’s work and the ways in
which the sculpture invited us to enter into those various meanings. The ten
commandments were then spoken aloud by central committee members in ten different
languages.
6.3 Discussion
The central committee engaged in table group discussion, followed by plenary discussion.
The following points were raised:
• it is important to note the ways in which the world has changed since the 1979
conference at MIT, especially with regard to a multipolar situation and the self-
consciousness of religions
• there is a new dimension in which the political world is looking to religion for moral
support; religion must become the moral conscience of society in its search for peace,
justice and reconciliation
• our work on social issues must be prioritized and focused in order to maintain
visibility within the rising secular movements for social change
• our priority must always be the accompaniment of Christians in situations of conflict
or where Christians are targets of violence and persecution
• in situations of civil and international conflict, churches, when they are united and
working together, can play a significant role in trust-building among decision-makers
• the churches of the North can do more to hold their governments accountable for their
actions in the world
• the witness of the church is profoundly compromised by ethnic and national
identification, in contradiction with our baptismal vow, and requiring now a new
evangelization
• some post-communist contexts are experiencing serious persecution of Christians and
an increase in violations of human rights, sometimes promulgated by civil authorities
in an attempt to defend traditional churches; such a situation demands new dialogue
between “traditional” and “missionary” churches
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• these questions press upon us the very essence of ecclesiology and Christian unity,
and urgently need to be taken into account by the Faith and Order commission
6.4 Summary reflections
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia offered a summary of what he had heard through the plenary
presentations and discussion. He stated that it was clear that churches all over the world
were wrestling with their role in society today, and that what was at stake in these
conversations was indeed the very deepest understanding of what it means to be church.
He noted three key elements that were essential for living the fellowship more fully:
mutual learning through deep listening to one another; accompaniment of one another in
times of difficulty; and the need for mutual support and solidarity using all available
resources. He affirmed two specific ecumenical methodologies - living letters and
storytelling - and noted three emerging issues on which to focus the continuing dialogue:
how natural resources, especially water, are emerging as source of conflict; trafficking of
arms and human beings; and how religion can be a source of transformation rather than a
source of conflict. He concluded by noting that the ecumenical reflections on these themes
would hopefully continued in a symposium in the near future, and that the influence of the
ecumenical movement continues to be felt within the wider global context, as evidenced
by the declaration of 2009 as the UN Year of Reconciliation.
The central committee then viewed a video message from Father Miguel d’Escoto
Brockmann M.M., president of the U. N. General Assembly, which stressed that solidarity
must be the starting point that guides us all in the peace that we must strive to attain.
Dame Dr Mary Tanner then offered her concluding reflections, noting that this plenary
had made clear that the church and society (life and work) thread is still vibrant in the
fabric of our ecumenical lives together. The World Council of Churches’ role was thus to
challenge us and hold us accountable to one another in that work. She also noted that this
discussion had had a profoundly ecclesiological character, and that reflection on church
and society belonged also within the scope of the Faith and Order commission’s work on
what sort of church God needs us to be in the world. She concluded by noting that one of
the central ecclesiological questions in all bilateral and multilateral dialogues continued to
be the relation between the local and universal expressions of the church, and how we
were to live that out together.
7 Public Issues
7.1 Proposed actions on public issues
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session. Rev. Dr
Samuel Kobia presented a list of seven public issues which had been proposed by the
executive committee for adoption at the meeting. According to the procedures for dealing
with public issues, members of the central committee had twenty-four hours in which to
submit additional topics for consideration.
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7.2 First report of the public issues committee
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session. Dr Agnes
Abuom drew the attention of the central committee to the report of actions on public
issues since the last central committee. She then reported that the public issues committee
had received a large number of proposals for additional topics to be taken up by the
committee at this meeting. It was noted that staff reductions and time pressure made it
difficult to prepare a large number of high-quality statements during the central committee
meeting.
After discussion, the central committee requested the public issues committee to
reconsider its recommendations on a few of the suggested topics and to return with the
results of their further discernment.
7.3 Second report of the public issues committee
H. E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and invited
Dr Agnes Abuom to present the second report of the public issues committee. She began
by reminding the central committee of the difference between a statement, a minute, and a
resolution. She also noted that as part of the report, the committee had drafted prayers for
the possible use of the churches in receiving these actions.
Dr Abuom cautioned that there was a danger of devaluing the work if we the number of
public issues addressed in one meeting was allowed to expand beyond a reasonable extent.
She asked that this observation be considered at a future meeting, for possible alteration of
the procedures for public issues.
Dr Abuom presented the final list of issues to be developed at the meeting, as follows:
Issues submitted by the executive committee:
• Statement on just finance and the economy of life
• Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt
• Statement on sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• Statement on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
• Statement on caste-based discrimination
• Minute on the right of conscientious objection to military service
• Progress report of the study on genocide in the context of the “Darfur Crisis”
The public issues committee decided that, after having read the progress report of the
study on genocide in the context of the “Darfur Crisis”, following the recommendation by
the executive committee made in September 2008, and given the current situation in
Sudan and upcoming elections, now would be the appropriate time to draft a statement on
the Darfur Crisis in the context of Sudan.
Proposals submitted by members of the central committee within 24 hours of the
announcement of the proposals from the executive committee:
I . Statement on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan
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2. Statement on a nuclear free world
3. Statement on the situation facing the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
4. Working group on the persecution of Christians in different parts of the world
5. Statement on the violence and human rights violations in Colombia
6. Statement on the situation regarding the violation of human rights in the Niger Delta
and northern Nigeria
7. Letter by the general secretary on the situation in Honduras
The public issues committee discussed all proposals received and dealt with them in the
following manner:
1 . On the request for a statement on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan made
by central and executive committee member Bishop Samuel Azariah of the Church of
Pakistan, such a statement was written.
2. On the request for a statement on a nuclear free world made by central committee
member Rev. Dr Fernando Enns of the Mennonite Church in Germany, such a
statement was written.
3. On the request for a statement on the situation facing the Methodist Church in Fiji
and Rotumamade by public issues committee member Rev. Gregor Henderson of the
Uniting Church in Australia, a minute was written.
4. On the request for a working group to address the persecution of Christians in
different parts of the world made jointly by central committee member Rev. Dr
Kondothra M. George of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, public issues
committee member Ms Anita Henslin of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia,
central committee member Rev. Heikki Huttunen of the Orthodox Church of Finland,
central committee member Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky of the Orthodox Church in
America, central and executive committee member Rev. Antonio Pedro Malungo of
the Evangelical Reformed Church of Angola, central committee member Mr Carlos
Pena of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and central and executive
committee member Bishop Martin Schindehutte of the Evangelical Church in
Germany, a minute was written.
5. On the request for a statement on the violence and human rights violations in
Colombia made by central committee member Rev. Dr Fernando Enns of the
Mennonite Church in Germany, it was decided that now the time to produce a
statement on Columbia as it would be one of the focus themes in November at the
United Nations Advocacy Week. Instead the situation in Columbia would continue to
be monitored by staff members and a report as well as a possible statement would be
presented to the next meeting of the executive committee.
6. On the request for a statement on the situation regarding the violation of human rights
in the Niger Delta and northern Nigeria made by a central committee member, it was
decided that there was not sufficient time or staff resources to produce a statement on
Nigeria at this moment. As the general secretary had written letters to both the
president of Nigeria and the Christian Association of Nigeria earlier this month
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regarding the recent violence there, it would be referred back to him for further
attention and action.
7. On the request for a letter by the general secretary on the situation in Honduras made
by public issues committee member Rev. Heike Bosien of the Evangelical Church in
Germany, it was decided that such a letter would be drafted and sent to the president
of the European Union, the president of the Organization of American States and the
Secretary General of the United Nations.
Members of the public issues committee then read the recommendations in each statement
or minute, and invited feedback from the central committee before presenting a final text
for decision.
7.4 Action on public issues - first session
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session and invited the
public issues committee to present their work for approval.
7.4.1 Minute on the right of conscientious objection to military service
The central committee approved the following minute by consensus:
Minute on the right of conscientious objection to military service
1 . The World Council of Churches (WCC) and other civil society organizations urged
the United Nations in 1973 to recognize conscientious objection to military service as
“a valid expression of the right of freedom of conscience” and make alternative
means of service available to conscientious objectors. The Statement on the Question
of Conscientious Objection to Military Service from 1973 says that the WCC and its
partner organizations “believe that the time has come for the Commission (on Human
Rights) to take a decisive step towards the international recognition of the right of
conscientious objection to military service”. Four considerations were cited as a basis
for that belief: growing concern among religious communities, respect for the right to
freedom of thought and for the integrity of the individual, the role of youth in
promoting peace, and the fact that the lack of alternatives to armed service leads to a
waste of human resources and prison terms of young people with deeply held
convictions.
2. Succeeding years have seen recognition granted in international forums and a UN
covenant on civil and political rights. The ecumenical movement, through the
Conciliar Process for Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation, leading up to the
1990, Seoul, Korea Convocation on JPIC, reaffirmed the right to conscientious
objection. As a result, conscientious objection to military service in principle has
reached new levels of protection under the freedoms of thought and religion, as well
as freedom of conscience.
3. A report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2006, however,
revealed serious shortfalls in many countries in recognizing and exercising the right
to conscientious objection to military service and found that conscientious objectors
are often subject to penalization, discrimination and imprisonment. The WCC central
committee then called for a study in the light of that report.
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4. The WCC study shows that in many places churches face challenges of conscientious
objection. Their responses include initiatives to support conscientious objectors in
some countries. Three observations provide an overview of church positions on the
issue: Historic Peace Churches strongly encourage their members to refuse
participation in any military actions. Meanwhile, they respect the freedom of the
individual decision. Other churches consider that both civilian service and military
service may be Christian options. Finally, while many, and perhaps most churches, do
not have an official position on the issue, the study found no evidence of these
churches speaking against conscientious objection.
5. The study suggests that a consensus position among churches is to affirm the right of
conscientious objection so that individuals who feel they cannot bear weapons for
religious or other reasons of conscience should have the possibility to object without
being submitted to discrimination or punishment.
6. It is also noted that in some countries where there is a right to conscientious objection
to military service, some Christians have become sensitive to the use of their tax
money for supporting war, and in some cases have faced government action against
them because of their conscientious objection to paying for war. This development of
conscientious objection deserves further study and consideration.
As the Decade to Overcome Violence affirms the biblical foundations, especially as
expressed in the Sermon on the Mount: The merciful, the peacemakers and the persecuted
are blessed in the Beatitudes; and Jesus teaches love even for one’s enemies (Matthew
5:6-9). Therefore, the central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26
August - 2 September 2009:
A. Reiterates existing WCC policy and reaffirms its support for the human right of
conscientious objection for religious, moral or ethical reasons in accordance with the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and other international laws, as
churches have an obligation to support those who refuse to take part in violence.
B. Calls upon WCC member churches, wherever they are in a position to do so, to
uphold the right of refusal to bear and use arms and to encourage church members to
uphold that right as well.
C. Deplores the situation that men, women and children in many parts of the world are
forced into anned service under governments and also under non-govermnental forces
or paramilitary organizations.
D. Encourages member churches to address their respective governments and military
organizations to recognize and honour conscientious objection to military service as a
human right under international law.
E. Calls upon churches to encourage their members to object to military service in
situations when the church considers armed action illegal or immoral.
F. Encourages churches to study and address the issue of military or war taxes and of
alternatives to military service.
G. Calls upon all Christians to pray for peace, abandon violence and seek peace through
nonviolent means.
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7.4.2 Statement on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law and the security of religious
minorities in Pakistan
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law and the security of religious
minorities in Pakistan
1 . Conscious of the way that Christians and Muslims have lived in harmony in many
times and places, it is with regret that it now seems that the Blasphemy Law in
Pakistan has become a major source of victimization and persecution of minorities.
Since the penal code of the country was amended in 1986, religious minorities in the
country have been living in a state of fear and terror. Under the Blasphemy Law false
cases have been brought against religious minorities and Christians in particular have
become targets of harassments and persecutions. Due to an increasing trend of the use
of the Blasphemy Law, which is often being used as a tool to settle personal scores,
attacks on religious minorities have been exacerbated. These incidents have fostered a
climate of religiously motivated violence and persecution in several parts of Pakistan.
The Blasphemy Law has become a source of friction between the country’s majority
and minority religious communities.
2. The subject law is part of the penal code of Pakistan. Its Chapter XV deals with
offences relating to religion, which contains sections 295 to 298. The Blasphemy Law
was originally introduced during the British rule in undivided India in 1860. In 1927,
section 295 was added to the penal code to deal with “deliberate and malicious acts
intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious
belief’. Under this provision, protection was given to all religious groups on an equal
basis. Conviction depended on proof that the accused deliberately or intentionally
acted to injure or insult a person’s religious feelings. Since the founding of Pakistan
in 1947, for forty years the then existing Blasphemy Law was considered adequate
and no government during that period felt the need for any changes until General Zia
U1 Haq introduced a number of amendments to the Pakistan penal code at the behest
of the Islamic parties in the country. The change in the orientation of the state’s
polices introduced by General Zia U1 Haq provided an opening to foster intolerance
under the label of blasphemy. Since then, the minority Christians in Pakistan have
increasingly become victims of humiliation and persecutions through false allegations
made under the Blasphemy Law.
3. The Blasphemy Law, while purporting to protect Islam and religious sensitivities of
the Muslim majority, are vaguely formulated and arbitrarily enforced by the police
and judiciary in a way which amounts to harassment and persecution. It has become
one of the most stringent laws in the country. As the law itself provides only a vague
definition of blasphemy, yet blasphemy carries a mandatory death sentence in some
cases. There are also serious flaws in the mechanisms to implement the law. Since the
mandatory death sentence was introduced as a result of Amendment Act No. Ill
(1986) to section 295C, many innocent people have lost their lives. In several cases,
accused persons have not been brought to trial. Many victims of the Blasphemy Law
have had to seek asylum in countries abroad for their security and others are forced to
live in hiding.
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4. The major flaw in the practice and implementation of the Blasphemy Law today is
that on the testimony of a complainant, a person charged with blasphemy is
immediately placed in detention. The penalty includes a mandatory death sentence for
defaming the Prophet Mohammad and life imprisonment for desecrating the Holy
Quran. Under the provisions of the present law, conviction is made possible without
proof of deliberate attempt on the part of the accused. This is a violation of the
fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution of Pakistan. The common
experience of abusing and misusing of the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan has led to
physical violence, damage, destruction of properties and loss of life within the
innocent Christian minority over the years. It has been reported, for instance, that
between 1988 and 2005, the authorities in Pakistan charged 647 people under the
Blasphemy Law. In recent times, the number has been increasing. Human rights
groups observed that charges brought against individuals under the Blasphemy Law
are founded solely on the individual’s minority religious beliefs or unfounded
malicious accusations stemming from personal enmity, often with the motivation to
have people imprisoned to gain advantage in business or land disputes. It has been
reported that the judiciary also faces threats, intimidation and pressure. As a result of
this, the lower courts have often been constrained to convict persons without proper
study of the evidence placed before them. It is increasingly becoming difficult to
obtain a fair hearing in Pakistan for those charged under the Blasphemy Law.
5. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has followed with concern the killings of
Christians in Gojra and other places in the state of Punjab in the past weeks.
Recalling the assurances given to the religious minorities by Mohammed Ali Jinnah,
the founder of Pakistan, that “minorities are a sacred trust of Pakistan”, the WCC
believes that the discrimination and attacks targeted against religious minorities in
Pakistan are in violation of Article 36 of the Constitution of Pakistan that guarantees
the legitimate rights of minorities. As the increasing trend of the misuse of
Blasphemy Law intensifies communal hatred, religious intolerance and persecution
against religious minorities, in this context the WCC expresses its serious concern on
section 295C of the Pakistan penal code which carries a mandatory death penalty for
anyone found guilty of blasphemy.
The central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, 26 August - 2 September 2009,
therefore:
A. Urges the government of Pakistan to repeal the section 295C of the Pakistan penal
code which carries a mandatory death penalty for anyone found guilty' of blasphemy.
B. Calls upon the government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all religious
minorities in the country.
C. Expresses solidarity with the Christians and all other religious minorities in Pakistan.
D. Encourages WCC member churches to request their respective governments to write
to the government of Pakistan and express their concerns on the security of religious
minorities in Pakistan and also to request that misuse of the Blasphemy Law be
stopped.
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E. Calls upon WCC member churches to pray for the people of Pakistan and that peace
and security will prevail throughout Pakistan.
7.4.3 Statement of hope in a year of opportunity: seeking a nuclear weapon free
world
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement of hope in a year of opportunity: seeking a nuclear weapon free world
“ The production and deployment as well as the use of nuclear weapons are a crime
against humanity and must be condemned on ethical and theological grounds. ”
- William Thompson, Presbyterian Church USA, Vancouver Assembly, 1983
1 . The international community is in a season of hope. Eminent world and national
figures now advocate for a world without nuclear weapons, reversing longstanding
policies. Global majorities for nuclear disarmament are astir in cities, parliaments, the
sciences and religions. President Barack Obama has acknowledged that, as the only
nation ever to use nuclear weapons in war, the United States must lead in their
elimination. The 65 nation United Nations (UN) Conference on Disarmament has
adopted a program of work after a dozen years of political and procedural stalemate.
Africa has brought its 1996 nuclear weapon free zone (NWFZ) treaty into force and,
with it, nuclear weapons are banned from a majority of the world’s countries for the
first time. These positive developments must be encouraged and deepened.
2. Seven decades into the nuclear age, the onus for international peace bears down ever
harder on the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. Their possession
of nuclear weapons is fundamentally incompatible with their privileged responsibility
for international peace and security. The 183 non nuclear weapon states still await the
five nuclear states to fulfil the pledge to eliminate their nuclear weapons.
3. Meanwhile, nuclear forces remain on high alert, nuclear know how, technology and
materials are accessible to diverse groups, more nuclear power plants cause increased
security and pollution problems, militaries routinely break norms on the use of force
and the protection of civilians, and progress toward global public goods is pre-empted
by national sovereignty. India, Pakistan, Israel, and, in all likelihood, North Korea
possess nuclear weapons outside the treaty. The time to act is now.
4. It is essential for the international community to face up to this great challenge
together and to take advantage of a number of promising opportunities that the
coming year presents. Churches, international civil society groups, and a world public
will be watching governments for convincing evidence of progress, while taking
responsibility for action and advocacy themselves. The focus for participation and
concern includes:
a) International Day of Peace, 21 September 2009 - The UN sponsored day merits
wide observance. This year it comes with 100 reasons to disarm and builds on the
UN secretary general’s Five Point Proposal for nuclear disarmament.
b) International Day of Prayer for Peace, 21 September 2009 - In an agreement
with the UN, and as part of the Decade to Overcome Violence, the World
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Council of Churches (WCC) invites member churches worldwide to make this an
annual day of prayer for peace.
c) US president chairs UN Security Council, 24 September 2009 - A special
disarmament session for heads of state chaired by President Obama presents a
unique opportunity for the Council’s permanent members to acknowledge the
essential link between nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. A collective
commitment to far greater transparency in reporting on their nuclear arsenals
would be a welcome first step in turning today’s inspiring disarmament rhetoric
into action. Transparency is feasible, indispensable and long overdue.
d) UN General Assembly and its First Committee, September-October 2009 - With
the spectre of renewed stalemate arising again at the Conference on Disarmament
(CD) in Geneva, remedial action at the General Assembly in New York may be
needed. If the CD cannot negotiate a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty now, as it
has agreed, it may be necessary for the UN General Assembly and First
Committee to charge another appropriate body with the task.
e) Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) renewal, 5 December 2009 - The US
and Russia have added hope to this year of opportunity by commencing
negotiations. It is urgent that START II sets the target for weapons reductions at
the lowest stated level, namely 1,500 nuclear warheads each.
f) African nuclear weapon free zone - We salute the African states that have
ratified the Treaty of Pelindaba and brought it into force, most recently Burundi,
Malawi, Mozambique and Ethiopia. We welcome Namibia’s progress in this
regard and urge completion of all remaining ratifications. We ask that Russia and
the US join China, Britain and France in signing the treaty protocols that give
Africa added protections. Africa’s success demonstrates the new leadership of a
116 country world majority in protecting national territory from nuclear dangers.
The Southern Hemisphere and much of the global South thus send an urgent
signal to the nuclear dominated north.
g) Meeting of nuclear weapon free zones, April 20 1 0 - An important political and
geographic majority will gather prior to the 2010 Nuclear Proliferation Treaty
(NPT) Review Conference. Its agenda is likely to include confidence building
measures these zones can undertake, particularly in areas of tension including the
Middle East and northeast Asia. Representatives from civil societies, including
churches, will be present. States that have established NWFZs will seek to
consolidate their strength around practical measures. These include accessions to
existing treaties, security protocols with nuclear weapon states, and expert groups
to address key issues for future NWFZs.
h) Conclusion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) security policy
review, 2010 - The WCC, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the
US, the Canadian Council of Churches and the Conference of European
Churches have called upon NATO to abandon the notion that nuclear weapons
preserve peace, and to take full advantage of the current political momentum to
eliminate its reliance on nuclear arms, including the removal of foreign nuclear
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weapons based in five NATO member countries. The joint letter to NATO
leaders stated, “that security must be sought through constructive engagement
with neighbours and that authentic security is found in affirming and enhancing
human interdependence in God’s one creation”.
i) NPT Review Conference, 2010 - By this much-anticipated mid-year meeting, the
nuclear weapon states must have made agreements that confirm their good faith
commitment to fulfil more of their disarmament obligations. At minimum, this
will include entry into force of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, consensus
on an advanced draft of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, and agreement on the
transparency measures mentioned above. It will also require clear commitment to
progress in the next cycle of the NPT including a plan to begin intensive work on
a Nuclear Weapons Convention.
The international community stands before a year of opportunity. The central committee
of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009:
A. Encourages governments and other parties involved to look to this year of
disarmament opportunities with urgency and hope.
B. Challenges the nuclear weapon states to fulfil their “unequivocal undertaking to
accomplish the total elimination of their nuclear arsenals leading to nuclear
disarmament” (2000 Nuclear Proliferation Treaty Review Conference).
C. Invites churches to support their governments in making whole regions of the world
safer from nuclear weapons through the establishment and strengthening of nuclear
weapon free zones.
D. Calls upon member churches to declare to their national leaders, “Transform
opportunity into action. Signal your intentions to the global majority who want the
elimination of nuclear weapons, and supply the proof of progress. Let a year of
cooperation reverse a decade of nuclear deadlock. Reject weapons that should never
have been made and that must never be used. Begin now to fulfil the international
treaty promise to free the world from nuclear weapons. Put a deadline on this
obligation to us all.”
7.4.4 Progress report of the study on genocide in the context of the “Darfur
Crisis”
The central committee received the following progress report:
Progress report of the study on genocide in the context of the “Darfur Crisis”
1. At its meeting in Geneva, Switzerland (30 August - 6 September 2006), the WCC
central committee “requested the staff to study if the use of the term genocide with
regard to the crisis in Darfur is appropriate in light of the internationally agreed
conventions on this issue, and to offer counsel to the churches.”
2. Before proceeding with a close examination of the Darfur crisis and the response of
the international community to it, it is pertinent to analyze and examine the legal
definition of the term genocide and the particular challenges it poses in today’s
context.
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Analysis of the term genocide
3. The word genocide was used for the first time by lawyer, Raphael Lemkin, who
combined the Greek word genos (race or tribe) with the Latin word cide ( cidere - to
massacre, kill). Following the horrors of the holocaust he campaigned for having
genocide recognized as a crime under international law. His efforts gave way to the
adoption of the “Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide”, adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 9 December
1948, which came into effect in January 1951. Article II of the Convention offers a
legal definition of the crime of genocide. According to this definition genocide means
any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a
national, ethnic, racial or religious group, as such: a) killing members of the group; b)
causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; c) deliberately
inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical
destruction in whole or in part; d) imposing measures intended to prevent births
within the group; e) forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. The
Convention also imposes a general duty on States that are signatories to “prevent and
punish” genocide. The same definition was taken up later on by the statute of the two
ad-hoc tribunals - the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (Article 2) and the
International Criminal Tribunal for ex- Yugoslavia (Article 4) and finally by the Rome
statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) (Article 5).
4. Over the years the definition of genocide has been widely debated. Many have argued
that it is too narrow and thus many of the mass killings perpetrated since the adoption
of the convention would not fall under it. Some of the arguments invoked in support
of this point are that the Convention excludes targeted political and social groups.
Furthermore, the definition is limited to direct acts against people and excludes acts
against the environment which sustains them. Another issue is that proving intention
beyond reasonable doubt is extremely difficult. An additional question along these
lines is the difficulty of defining or measuring “in part” and establishing how many
deaths equate to genocide. One more dimension that should be taken into
consideration is the reluctance of the UN member states to single out other member
states or to intervene.
5. What differentiates genocide from other crimes against humanity is the intent to
destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. Acts which are
directed against those groups with a discriminatory intent but not with intent to
destroy them constitute crimes against humanity and not genocide. As it becomes
evident, there is a clear distinction between those two categories which renders
qualifying a certain crime as genocide a very difficult task.
6. In order to determine whether a particular crime constitutes genocide, it needs to be
ascertained whether a factual case has been made out of the legal pre-requisites. It
requires the gathering of concrete evidence that can prove beyond a reasonable doubt
the commission of such a crime. The gathering of such evidence can prove to be a
very difficult task, especially during on-going crises, like in the case of Darfur.
Developments on international level with regard to the Darfur crisis
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7. In January 2005 an International Commission of inquiry on Darfur, authorized by UN
Security Council resolution 1564 of 2004, issued a report to the secretary general
stating that, “the government of the Sudan has not pursued a policy of genocide”.
Nevertheless, the Commission cautioned that, “this should not be taken in any way as
detracting from the gravity of the crimes perpetrated in that region. International
offences such as the crimes against humanity and war crimes that have been
committed in Darfur may be no less serious and heinous than genocide”. Following
the adoption of that resolution, the UN Security Council adopted resolution 1593 (31
March 2005) referring the ongoing conflict in Darfur to the ICC. Subsequently, in
April 2007, the ICC issued its first arrest warrants in a three-year investigation of war
crimes in Darfur, Sudan, against Janjaweed militia leader, Ali Kushayb, and Sudanese
humanitarian affairs minister Ahmad Muhammed Harun, who is believed to have
been one of the masterminds behind the well-reported mass killings and
displacements in the region. Since the prosecutor did not find sufficient evidence to
prosecute for genocide, they are being accused of 51 crimes against humanity and war
crimes. Meanwhile, the mandate of the special rapporteur on the situation of human
rights in Sudan was extended for one year by the Human Rights Council during its
6th session in December 2007.
8. On 14 July 2008, ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, submitted to the judges of
the pre-trial chamber of the ICC an application for the issuance of an arrest warrant
against Sudan’s president, Omar Hassan Ahmad A1 Bashir, for genocide, crimes
against humanity and war crimes. Three years after the Security Council requested
him to investigate in Darfur, and based on the evidence collected, the prosecutor
concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that Sudan’s President A1 Bashir
bears criminal responsibility in relation to ten counts of genocide, crimes against
humanity and war crimes.
9. According to the prosecution evidence, President A1 Bashir masterminded and
implemented a plan to destroy in substantial part the Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa
groups, on account of their ethnicity. The prosecutor stated that:
“Members of the three groups, historically influential in Darfur, were challenging
the marginalization of the province; they engaged in a rebellion. A1 Bashir failed
to defeat the armed movements, so he went after the people. His motives were
largely political. His alibi was a counterinsurgency. His intent was genocide.”
10. According to the evidence gathered, the prosecutor said that for over five years armed
forces and the militia/Janjaweed, on President A1 Bashir’s orders, attacked and
destroyed villages. They then chased the survivors out to the desert. Millions of
civilians have been uprooted from lands they occupied for centuries, all their means
of survival destroyed, their land spoiled and inhabited by new settlers. Those who
reached the camps for the displaced people were subjected to conditions calculated to
bring about their destruction (killings, rapes, hunger).
11. It should be noted that Sudan has not signed up to the ICC but the court has authority
to act in this case because the UN Security Council gave it a mandate to do so, with
resolution 1593 in March 2005. The Pre-Trial Chamber will now review and assess
the evidence presented to them over the next couple of months. If the judges
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determine that there are reasonable grounds to believe that President Omar A1 Bashir
committed the alleged crimes, they will decide on the best manner to ensure his
appearance in court. If the judges issue the warrant, Sudan will be obliged to arrest its
own president, in effect the president handing himself over, which most likely will
never happen.
12. Under Article 89, President A1 Bashir might also be liable to arrest if he visits one of
the 106 states that are parties to the Treaty. Article 89 of the court’s statute says that
the court “may transit a request for the arrest and surrender of a person... to any state
on the territory of which that person may be found...”
13. This is the first time that the ICC prosecutor has made charges against a head of State,
breaking new ground in the reduction of national sovereignty rights that have
characterized international law in recent years. The real impact of this development is
yet to be seen. Meanwhile, on 3 1 July, the Council renewed the UN African Union
Mission (UN AM ID) mandate for 12 months in resolution 1828. This was preceded by
intense negotiations on a proposal, following a request to the ICC from its prosecutor
for an arrest warrant against President A1 Bashir, to include language suspending ICC
proceedings under Article 16 pf the Rome Statute. According to this article:
“No investigation or prosecution may be commenced or proceeded with under
this statute for a period of 12 months after the security council, in a resolution
adopted under chapter VII of the charter of the United Nations, has requested the
court to that effect; that request may be renewed by the council under the same
conditions.”
14. The majority resisted this proposal, but compromise was found in emphasizing the
need to bring the perpetrators of serious crimes to justice (and the government’s
obligations in this respect) and also mentioning some Council members’ concerns
related to the request for an arrest warrant against President A1 Bashir. The resolution
took note of those members’ intention to consider these matters further.
15. Darfur will continue to be a focus for the UN Security Council. In particular, Council
members are expected to discuss issues relating to the deployment of the UNAMID
and current proceedings before the ICC. It is unclear whether any formal proposals
for a suspension of proceedings against Sudan’s President Omar A1 Bashir before the
ICC will emerge in September. A report from the sanctions panel of experts is due by
15 September 2009.
16. It must be noted that divisions within the Council on ICC issues are expected to
continue. China, Russia, South Africa, Libya, Burkina Faso and Indonesia support the
suspension of ICC proceedings. Other Council members believe it is more important
to safeguard legal mechanisms and to ensure accountability.
17. But recent developments on the ICC issue also seem to indicate that some of those
members may be open to the possibility of an Article 16 suspension of ICC
proceedings for President A1 Bashir. This would be provided there are serious steps
from Khartoum in improving cooperation with the ICC, including credible action
against other indictees, as well as real cooperation with UNAMIDs deployment,
facilitating humanitarian assistance and creating genuine conditions for a peace
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process. There also seems to be a perception that pressure may be required on the
rebels in that regard.
18. On the other hand the Sudanese government unveiled a reconciliation initiative for
Darfur including a national dialogue conference, but as yet no dates have been
officially announced. The government also appointed a prosecutor to head domestic
proceedings on serious crimes in Darfur. But scepticism remains due to the timing,
the lack of Sudanese legislation dealing with such crimes, and weaknesses in the
Sudanese judiciary. The government reportedly continues to refuse to execute
pending ICC arrest warrants for Ahmed Haroun and Ali Kushayb. Thus many seem
unconvinced of Khartoum’s recent efforts on domestic mechanisms for justice and
accountability, being mindful of past similar initiatives that they see as lacking
credibility.
19. On Darfur, the key issue is whether there is anything the council can do to encourage
the parties to move towards a genuine ceasefire and a peace process. Another is
improving security and, in that context, determining how best to advance UNAMIDs
deployment.
20. Justice and accountability issues also seem likely to preoccupy members, in particular
whether an appropriate balance can be found that preserves the integrity and
independence of the ICC and avoids impunity, encourages Sudan’s cooperation with
UNAM1D, improves the prospects of a ceasefire and peace process in Darfur and
preserves overall stability in Sudan. In this regard, options could include:
a) adopting a wait-and-see approach on the ICC’s consideration of its prosecutor’s
request for an arrest warrant against President A1 Bashir;
b) reaching an understanding with Sudan that President A1 Bashir’s ICC
proceedings could be suspended for one year provided that there is a watertight
arrangement on Sudan’s cooperation with the ICC over other indictees, improved
cooperation with LTNAMID, and concrete steps towards a ceasefire. (A necessary
measure in this regard might be to consider a spectrum of sanctions against the
rebels should they refuse to cease hostilities.); and
c) some other watertight arrangement that would ensure legal accountability for
ICC indictees, perhaps along the lines of the Lebanon tribunal, which applies
domestic law but uses international judges and a neutral location — but a problem
in this option is the absence of domestic legislation in Sudan incorporating the
relevant international crimes.
21. If the option of domestic judicial mechanisms in substitution for the ICC were
considered important, challenges would arise. In addition to issues relating to judicial
capacity and independence, as already mentioned, Sudan’s legal system does not
contain specific provisions for crimes against humanity, war crimes and genocide.
22. Still another issue is whether the Council should increase its focus on the broader
challenges facing Sudan, in particular whether there is anything the Council should
do on the situation in northern and southern parts of Sudan. This includes how best to
ensure progress in implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on
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elections in 2009 and a southern independence referendum in 201 1; demarcating the
north-south border and the status of Abyei; and sharing from oil-revenue.
23. Meanwhile, during the first week of July 2009 the African Union (AU) summit
passed a resolution not to co-operate with a war crimes warrant against Sudanese
President Omar Hassan A1 Bashir. Botswana was the only country that refused to
endorse the resolution. Botswana’s Vice-president, Mompati Merafhe, stated that
when the issue of the ICC warrant to arrest Sudan’s president, Omar A1 Bashir, was
brought to the table during the AU summit, Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gadaffi
did not entertain any debate. Colonel Gadaffi stated that the AU is opposed to the
warrant of arrest. Vice-president Merafhe revealed that it was only Botswana and
Chad who made their position clear that President A1 Bashir should go to the ICC to
clear his name. He said that other countries did not make public their position on the
matter, apparently because of their proximity to Libya or Sudan.
24. The latest development on the issue is that on 7 July 2009, the prosecutors at the ICC
have appealed against the ICC judges’ decision not to indict Sudan’s president for
genocide.
Closing remarks
25. From the analysis that preceded, it becomes quite evident that genocide is a rather
complex issue with not just legal but also political parameters. Genocide has legal
implications, entailing full-scale intervention by the international community and
therefore it cannot be treated lightly without due consideration and in-depth analysis
of all different elements surrounding a given case.
26. The pursuit of justice, peace and reconciliation has been at the core of the mission of
Christian churches as a response to the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be
filled... Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”
(Mathew 5: 6-9) The churches in different parts of the world, and especially in those
countries which have suffered gross human rights violations, have been struggling
against impunity at the national and international level. The rationale of this struggle
has been not so much to seek punishment, but to overcome violence and impunity, to
support victims and to pursue peace, justice and reconciliation.
27. In this study of the Darfur crisis, the paradigm of restorative justice has emerged as a
way to stress the importance of restoring broken relationships within the
communities. Through restorative justice, people begin to understand each other’s
vulnerability and acknowledge their humanity. Restorative justice aims to restore
victims, restore perpetrators and restore communities. A victim-centred approach
emerges as one of the characteristics of restorative justice procedures from the
community level to the national level.
28. Churches and ecumenical organizations have always interpreted the cries of the
victims as a demand to respect their rights. Victims have the right to know exactly
what happened in the case of grave human rights violations. It was within this context
that churches raised their prophetic voice with regard to the Armenian genocide. In
1984, the WCC published a document of background information called, “Armenia:
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the Continuing tragedy”. Following this, the Commission of the Churches on
International Affairs raised the issue of the Armenian genocide in the UN
Commission on Human Rights with reference to the latter’s “Revised and Updated
Report on the Question of the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide”.
The report was presented in 1985 to the UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of National Minorities, and concluded that the
Armenian massacres had constituted genocide.
29. Churches should once again assume their pioneering role and raise their prophetic
voice with regard to the Darfur crisis. The latest developments at the international
level also indicate the fact that all the evidence shows that the crimes committed in
Darfur against non combatant civilians fulfil the legal pre-requisites of the crime of
genocide as prescribed in the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
the Crime of Genocide and in the Rome Statute of the ICC.
30. The conflict in Darfur enters its sixth year and constitutes a moral challenge for the
international community that must no longer silence and ignore the continuous
deteriorating situation of thousands of innocent people who are confronted daily with
death and famine and are subjected to conditions calculated to bring about their
physical destruction.
3 1 . During the high-level plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly in 2005, world
leaders agreed, for the first time, that states have a primary responsibility to protect
their own populations and that the international community has a responsibility to act
when these governments fail to protect the most vulnerable. The responsibility to
protect populations from genocide, ethnic cleansing, war crimes and crimes against
humanity is an international commitment by governments to prevent and react to
grave crises, wherever they may occur. This responsibility to prevent, react to and
rebuild following such crises rests first and foremost with each individual state.
However, when states manifestly fail to protect their populations, the international
community shares a collective responsibility to respond. This response should be the
exercise of first peaceful, and then, if necessary, coercive, including forceful, steps to
protect civilians. The Responsibility to Protect means that no state can invoke its right
to sovereignty as an excuse to avoid any kind of scrutiny from the international
community while it conducts or permits widespread human rights violations to its
population. Nor can states turn a blind eye either because these violations extend
beyond their borders, or because proactive actions might not suit their narrowly
defined national interests.
32. Unfortunately this has been the case with the Darfur crisis. The international
community no longer has the right to remain a bystander and allow the perpetration
of large scale atrocities, like the ones occurring in Darfur, to continue unpunished. As
it was stated in the “Report on the Armenian Genocide”, adopted by the WCC central
committee, Geneva, 15-22 February 2005:
“From the Christian perspective, the path towards justice and reconciliation
requires the recognition of the crime committed as a sine qua non condition for
the healing of memories and the possibility of forgiveness. Forgiveness does not
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mean forgetting but to look back with the intention to restore justice, the respect
for human rights and relationships between perpetrators and victims.”
33. Churches should take the lead in advocating and offering their support to all efforts,
national and international, that aim at pursuing justice and accountability with a view
to building a long lasting peace through a truly reconciliatory process.
7.4.5 Statement on the Darfur crisis in the context of Sudan
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on the Darfur crisis in the context of Sudan
1 . Since early 2003, the conflict in Darfur has unleashed an overwhelming wave of
violence resulting in the death of hundreds of thousands of civilians and in an
immense humanitarian crisis with millions of innocent people being displaced and
subjected to vile crimes (torture, rape, abductions). The conflict enters its sixth year
and constitutes a moral challenge for the international community that must no longer
silence and ignore the continuous deteriorating situation of thousands of innocent
people who are confronted daily with death and famine and are subjected to
conditions calculated to bring about their physical destruction.
2. The pursuit of justice, peace and reconciliation has been at the core of the mission of
Christian churches as a response to the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God (Matthew 5:
6-9). The churches in different parts of the world, and especially in those countries
which have suffered gross human rights violations, have been struggling against
impunity at the national and international level. The rationale of this struggle has been
not so much to seek punishment, but to overcome violence and impunity, to support
victims and to pursue peace, justice and reconciliation.
3. Churches and ecumenical organizations have always interpreted the cries of the
victims as a demand to respect their rights. Victims have the right to know exactly
what happened in the case of grave human rights violations. It was within this context
that churches raised their prophetic voice with regard to the Armenian genocide. As it
was stated in the “Report on the Armenian Genocide”, adopted by the WCC central
committee, Geneva, 15-22 February 2005: “From the Christian perspective, the path
towards justice and reconciliation requires the recognition of the crime committed as
a sine qua non condition for the healing of memories and the possibility of
forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting but to look back with the intention
to restore justice, the respect for human rights and relationships between perpetrators
and victims.”
4. Churches should once again assume their pioneering role and raise their prophetic
voice with regard to the Darfur crisis. The crimes committed in Darfur against
innocent civilians amount to the crime of genocide as prescribed in the United
Nations (UN) Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide and in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
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5. States have a primary responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, ethnic
cleansing, war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, when states manifestly
fail to protect their populations, the international community shares a collective
responsibility to respond. The international community no longer has the right to
remain a bystander and allow the perpetration of large scale atrocities, like the ones
occurring in Darfur, to continue unpunished.
6. Unfortunately the government of Sudan has failed to protect its population.
Furthermore, following the arrest warrant issued by the ICC against the president of
the Republic of Sudan, Omar Hassan Ahmed A1 Bashir, the Sudanese government
proceeded in the expulsion of a number of humanitarian aid organizations from
Darfur who were providing life sustaining assistance to millions of people in the
region.
7. At the same time, the lack of progress in the peace negotiations causes further
concerns for the future of this war torn region and the livelihood of its people. It also
has an impact on the already fragile Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed
between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation
Movement/Army in 2005, which brought to an end a 21 year conflict in the largest
country of the African continent. The conflict in Darfur is undoubtedly rather
complex and its interconnectedness with other parts of Sudan and ongoing conflicts
in neighbouring countries, as well as its destabilizing effects for the whole region
should not be underestimated, especially in view of the forthcoming elections in
Sudan in 2010 and the country’s critical 201 1 referendum on a possible secession of
the South from Sudan.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the Darfur conflict and its impact on peace and stability
in Sudan as expressed in the All Africa Council of Churches general committee
“Statement on the situation in Sudan” issued on 24 - 27 March 2009, the central
committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009:
A. Condemns the mass atrocities committed against innocent civilians in Darfur.
B. Affirms its commitment and support to all national and international efforts aiming at
pursuing justice and accountability with a view to building a long lasting peace
through a truly reconciliatory process which will allow people to resettle and
reintegrate in their communities from which they were forcefully displaced.
C. Urges the government of Sudan to assume full responsibility for the protection of its
citizens irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political affiliation, and further calls
on all parties in the Darfur conflict to restrain from all forms of violence and to
uphold respect for the dignity and human rights of all people in the region.
D. Calls upon the government of Sudan to allow uninterrupted humanitarian assistance
to reach all suffering people in Darfur and calls upon the international community to
provide the necessary resources.
E. Appeals to the government of Sudan to actively show its commitment to justice and
peace by honouring the statements and agreements it has signed, especially the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
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F. Urges African nations and the international community, both individually as well as
through organizations such as the African Union, the Arab League and the United
Nations, to continue to support the peace process through constructive dialogue with
all parties involved in the conflict.
G. Appreciates the assistance provided by the peace keeping force UNAMID (African
Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur) and calls for further financial and
logistical support by the international community in order to allow UNAMID to
protect the civilian population most effectively.
H. Acknowledges the significant role of the churches in Sudan in promoting
interreligious dialogue and advocating for peace, justice, reconciliation and respect
for the dignity and well being of all the people of Sudan.
I. Encourages all Christians to pray for an end to the hostilities in Darfur and for a
lasting peace in Sudan.
7.5 Action on public issues - second session
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited the public issues
committee to present the remainder of their work for approval.
7.5.1 Statement on just finance and the economy of life
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on just finance and the economy of life
And Jesus said to them, “ Take care ! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for
one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions. ” (Luke 12:15 NRSV)
1 . The World Council of Churches (WCC) first articulated its concerns about finance
and economics in 1984 when it issued a call for a new international order based on
ethical principles and social justice. In 1998, the WCC assembly in Harare mandated
a study on economic globalization together with member churches. WCC worked
closely with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, the Lutheran World
Federation, Aprodev and other specialized ministries. Out of this, the Alternative
Globalization Addressing People and earth (AGAPE) process, which was set up to
further study the topics of poverty, wealth and ecology, was born. During the course
of this process, several issues relating to various crises were identified: climate
change and the food, social, and financial crises. In May 2009, the WCC convened a
meeting of the Advisory Group on Economic Matters (AGEM) to (1) discern what is
at stake in the current financial architecture, (2) propose a process that could lead to a
new financial architecture and (3) outline the theological and ethical basis for such a
new architecture.
2. Jesus warns that “You cannot serve both God and wealth” (Luke 16:13 NRSV). We,
however, witness greed manifested dramatically in the financial and economic
systems of our times. The current financial crisis presents an opportunity to re¬
examine our engagement and action. It is an opportunity for us to discern together
how to devise a system that is not only sustainable but that is just and moral.
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Economics is a matter of faith and has an impact on human existence and all of
creation.
3. The financial system of recent times has shaped the world more than ever before.
However, by becoming the engine of virtual growth and wealth, it has enriched some
people but has harmed many more, creating poverty, unemployment, hunger and
death; widening the gap between rich and poor; marginalizing certain groups of
people; eroding the whole meaning of human life; and destroying ecosystems. There
is a growing and sobering awareness of our common vulnerability and of the limits of
our current way of life. Today’s global financial crisis, which originated in the richest
parts of our world, points to the immorality of a system that glorifies money and has a
dehumanizing effect by encouraging acquisitive individualism. The resulting greed-
based culture impoverishes human life, erodes the moral and ecological fabric of
human civilization, and intoxicates our psyche with materialism. The crisis we face
is, at the same time, both systemic and moral. Those most affected are: women, who
bear a disproportionate share of the burden; young people and children, as doubts are
raised and their sense of security for the future is eroded; and those living in poverty,
whose suffering deepens.
4. In an era of financial globalization, economic expansion has been increasingly driven
by greed. This greed, a hallmark of the current financial system, causes and
intensifies the sacrifice and suffering of impoverished human beings, while the
wealthy classes multiply their riches. Finance is, at best, the lubricant of real
economic activities. However, we note that money is not wealth; it has no inherent
value outside the human mind. When it is turned into a series of fictitious instruments
to create ever more financial wealth it is increasingly divorcing itself from the real
economy, thereby creating only virtual or phantom wealth that does not produce
anything to meet real human needs.
5. The abuse of global finance and trade by international businesses costs developing
countries more than $160 billion a year in lost tax revenues - undermining
desperately needed public expenditures. Developing countries are lending their
reserves to industrial countries at very low interest rates and are borrowing back at
higher rates. This results in a net transfer of resources to reserve currency countries
that exceed more than ten times the value of foreign assistance, according to the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This global financial crisis is
proving the bankruptcy of the neoliberal doctrine, as promoted by the International
Financial Institutions through the “Washington Consensus”. The leaders of the rich
countries that had promoted the consensus so emphatically, declared it “over” at the
G20 meeting in April 2009. And yet much of the G20’s agenda reflects misguided
efforts to restore the same system of overexploitation of resources and unlimited
growth. Furthermore, resources are channelled through the militarization of some
societies, due to a perverse understanding of human security through military power.
6. Unfortunately, churches have also been complicit in this system, relying on popular
models of finance and economics that prioritize generating money over the progress
and well-being of humanity. These models are largely oblivious to the social and
ecological costs of financial and economic decisions, and often lack moral direction.
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The challenge for churches today is to not retreat from their prophetic role. They are
also challenged by their complicity with this speculative financial system and its
embedded greed.
7. There are two structural elements of the current paradigm which must be changed.
First, the economic motive of surplus value, unlimited growth and the irresponsible
consumption of goods and natural resources contradict biblical values and make it
impossible for societies to practice cooperation, compassion and love. Second, the
system that privatizes productive goods and resources, disconnecting them from
people’s work and needs and denying others access to and use of them is a structural
obstacle to an economy of cooperation, sharing, love and dynamic harmony with
nature. Alternative morality for economic activity is service/koinonia (fellowship) to
human needs; human/social self-development; and people’s well being and
happiness. An alternative to the current property system is connected to need, use and
work invested in the production and distribution process. In order to achieve this goal,
the existing organizing principles of production and claims settlements (i.e.
distribution) must change. This also warrants a situation where an ethical, just and
democratic global financial architecture emerges and is grounded on a framework of
common values: honesty, social justice, human dignity, mutual accountability and
ecological sustainability. It should also account for social and ecological risks in
financial and economic calculation; reconnect finance to the real economy; and set
clear limits to, as well as penalize, excessive and irresponsible actions based on greed.
8. It is in this context that the central committee of the WCC acknowledges that a new
ethos and culture which reflects the values of solidarity, common good and inclusion
must, at this time of crisis, emerge to replace the anti-values of greed, individualism
and exclusion. New indicators of progress, other than Gross Domestic Product, such
as the Human Development Index, the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index and
ecological footprints and other corresponding systems of accounting need to be
evolved. For example, a GNH index that reflects the following values: 1) Quality and
pattern of life; 2) Good governance (true democracy); 3) Education; 4) Health; 5)
Ecological resilience; 6) Cultural diversity; 7) Community vitality; 8) Balanced use of
time; 9) Psychological and spiritual well-being.
9. The central committee of the WCC also emphasizes the need for a new paradigm of
economic development and a re-conceptualization of wealth to include relationships,
care and compassion, solidarity and love, aesthetics and the ethics of life,
participation and celebration, cultural diversity and community vitality. This will
involve responsible growth that recognizes human responsibility for creation and for
future generations - an economy glorifying life.
In view of the need to support international organizations that are democratic, to represent
all member nations of the United Nations (UN) and to affirm common values, the central
committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009,
calls upon governments to take the following necessary actions:
A. Adopt new and more balanced indicators, such as the Gross National Happiness
(GNH) index, to monitor global socio-environmental/ecological-economic progress.
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B. Ensure that resources are not diverted from basic education, public health, and poor
countries.
C. Uphold their commitments to and assistance for meeting the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs), particularly the goal number 8 on cooperation world¬
wide.
D. Implement gender-just social protection programs as an important part of national
fiscal stimulus packages in response to the current financial crisis.
E. Emphasize the participation of people and civil society organizations in policy¬
making processes, including the promotion of decentralized governance structures
and participatory democracy.
F. Treat finance also as a public service by making loans available to small and medium
enterprises, farmers and particularly poor people through, for example, micro¬
financing in support of not-for-profit enterprises and the social economy.
G. Support regional initiatives that decentralize finance and empower people in the
global South to exercise control over their own development through such proposed
bodies as the Bank of the South, the Asian Monetary Fund and the Bank of ALBA.
H. Revise taxation systems, recognizing that tax revenues are ultimately the only
sustainable source of development finances, by establishing an international
accounting standard requiring country-by-country reporting of transnational
companies’ economic activities and taxes paid and by forging a multilateral
agreement to set a mandatory requirement for the automatic exchange of tax
information between all jurisdictions to prevent tax avoidance.
I. Explore the possibility of establishing a new global reserve system based on a
supranational global reserve currency and regional and local currencies.
J. Achieve stronger democratic oversight of international financial institutions by
making them subject to a UN Global Economic Council with the same status as the
UN Security Council.
K. Explore the possibility of setting up a new international credit agency with greater
democratic governance than currently exists under the Breton Woods institutions.
L. Set up an international bankruptcy court with the authority to cancel odious and other
kinds of illegitimate debts and to arbitrate other debt issues.
M. Regulate and reform the credit agency industry into proper independent supervision
institution(s), based on more transparency about ratings and strict regulation on the
management of conflict of interest.
N. Use innovative sources of finance, including carbon and financial transaction taxes, to
pay for global public goods and poverty eradication.
7.5.2 Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt
“ Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors ” (Matthew 6: 12)
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1. The era of ‘"unlimited consumption” has reached its limits. The era of unlimited profit
and compensation for the few must also come to an end. Based on a series of
ecumenical consultations and incorporating the perspectives of many churches, this
statement proposes the recognition and application of a concept that expresses a deep
moral obligation to promote ecological justice by addressing our debts to peoples
most affected by ecological destruction and to the earth itself. It begins with
expressing gratitude to God, whose providential care is manifested in all God’s
creation and the renewal of the earth for all species. Ecological debt includes hard
economic calculations as well as incalculable biblical, spiritual, cultural and social
dimensions of indebtedness.
2. The earth and all of its inhabitants are currently facing an unprecedented ecological
crisis, bringing us to the brink of mass suffering and destruction for many. The crisis
is human-induced, caused especially by the agro-industrial-economic complex and
culture of the global North, which is characterized by the consumerist lifestyles of the
elites of the developed and developing worlds and the view that development is
commensurate with exploitation of the earth’s “natural resources”. What is being
labeled and co-modified, as “natural resources” is all of creation - a sacred reality
that ought not to be co-modified. Yet the Northern agro-industrial-economic
complex, especially in the current era of market globalization, has used human labour
and resourcefulness, as well as the properties of other life forms, to produce wealth
and comfort for a few at the expense of the survival of others and their dignity.
3. Churches have been complicit in this history through their own consumption patterns
and through perpetuating a theology of human rule over the earth. The Christian
perspective that has valued humanity over the rest of creation has served to justify the
exploitation of parts of the earth community. Yet, human existence is utterly
dependant on a healthy functioning earth system. Humanity cannot manage creation.
Humanity can only manage their own behaviour to keep it within the bounds of
earth’s sustenance. Both the human population and the human economy cannot grow
much more without irreversibly endangering the survival of other life forms. Such a
radical view calls for a theology of humility and a commitment on the part of the
churches to learn from environmental ethics and faith traditions that have a deeper
sense of an inclusive community.
4. The churches’ strength lies in its prophetic witness to proclaim God’s love for the
whole world and to denounce the philosophy of domination that threatens the
manifestation of God’s love. The biblical prophets had long ago deduced the intrinsic
connection between ecological crises and socio-economic injustice, railing against the
elites of their day for the exploitation of peoples and the destruction of ecosystems
(Jeremiah 14: 2-7, Isaiah 23: 1-24 and Revelations 22). Based on Jesus’
commandment of love, as expressed in his life and parables, the World Council of
Churches (WCC) must broaden its understanding of justice and the boundaries of
who our neighbours are. For many years, the WCC has called for the cancellation of
illegitimate external financial debts claimed from countries of the South based on the
biblical notion of jubilee (Leviticus 23). It has taken a step further in addressing the
ecological dimension of economic relationships.
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5. Beginning with the articulation of the ideas of “limits to growth” in a Church and
Society consultation held in Bucharest in 1974 and “sustainable societies” at the 1975
Nairobi assembly, the WCC has been working deeply on ecological justice for over
three decades. At the 1998 Harare assembly, the harmful impacts of globalization on
people and the environment came to the fore through the Alternative Globalization
Addressing People and earth (AGAPE) process, leading to the ongoing study process
on Poverty, Wealth and Ecology. As an offshoot of these important ecumenical
reflections and actions, the WCC, in partnership with churches and civil society
organizations in Southern Africa, India, Ecuador, Canada and Sweden, initiated work
on ecological debt in 2002.
6. Ecological debt refers to damage caused over time to ecosystems, places and peoples
through production and consumption patterns; and the exploitation of ecosystems at
the expense of the equitable rights of other countries, communities or individuals. It is
primarily the debt owed by industrialized countries in the North to countries of the
South on account of historical and current resource plundering, environmental
degradation and the disproportionate appropriation of ecological space to dump
greenhouse gases (GHGs) and toxic wastes. It is also the debt owed by economically
and politically powerful national elites to marginalized citizens; the debt owed by
current generations of humanity to future generations; and, on a more cosmic scale,
the debt owed by humankind to other life forms and the planet. It includes social
damages such as the disintegration of indigenous and other communities.
7. Grounded on an overriding priority for the impoverished and a deep moral
responsibility to rectify injustices, ecological debt lenses reveal that it is the global
South who is the principal ecological creditor while the global North is the principal
ecological debtor. The ecological debt of the global North arises from various causal
mechanisms whose impact has been intensified in the current economic crisis.
8. Under the current international financial architecture, countries of the South are
pressured through conditions for loans as well as multilateral and bilateral trade and
investment agreements to pursue export-oriented and resource-intensive growth
strategies. Ultimately it fails to account for the costs of erosion of ecosystems and
increasing pollution. Many mega-development projects (e.g. dams) in countries of the
South are financed through foreign lending by international financial institutions in
collaboration with undemocratic and corrupt local leaders and elites, without the
informed consent of local inhabitants and with little consideration of the projects’
ecological and social consequences. Moreover, industrialized Northern countries
make disproportionate use of ecological space without adequate compensation,
reparation or restitution. Northern countries’ ecological footprint (an approximate
measurement of human impacts on the environment) presently averages 6.4
ha/person. This is more than six times heavier than the footprint of Southern countries
at an average of 0.8 ha/person.
9. Human-induced climate change heightens the relationship of North-South inequity
even further. Industrialized countries are mainly responsible for GHG emissions
causing climate change (though emerging economies in the South are becoming
major contributors to global GHG emissions in absolute terms). Yet, research
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indicates that the South will bear a bigger burden of the adverse effects of climate
change including the displacement of people living in low-lying coastal areas and
small island states; the loss of sources of livelihood, food insecurity, reduced access
to water and forced migration.
10. In the light of Biblical teaching (cf. Matthew 6:12), we pray for repentance and
forgiveness, but we also call for the recognition, repayment and restitution of
ecological debt in various ways, including non-market ways of compensation and
reparation, that go beyond the market’s limited ability7 to measure and distribute.
1 1. The central committee of the WCC recognizes the need for a drastic transformation at
all levels in life and society in order to end the ecological indebtedness and restoring
right relationships between peoples and between people and the earth. This warrants a
re-ordering of economic paradigms from consumerist, exploitive models to models
that are respectful of localized economies, indigenous cultures and spiritualities, the
earth’s reproductive limits, as well as the right of other life forms to blossom. And
this begins with the recognition of ecological debt.
While affirming the role of churches to play a critical role in lifting up alternative
practices, as well as building the necessary political will and moral courage to effect
urgent transformations, the central committee of the WCC meeting in Geneva,
Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009:
A. Calls upon WCC member churches to urge Northern governments, institutions and
corporations to take initiatives to drastically reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions within and beyond the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC), which stipulates the principles of historical responsibility and
“common, but differentiated responsibilities” (CDR), according to the fixed timelines
set out by the UNFCCC report of 2007.
B. Urges WCC member churches to call their governments to adopt a fair and binding
deal, in order to bring the C02 levels down to less than 350 parts per million (ppm), at
the Conference of Parties (COP 15) of the UNFCCC in Copenhagen in December
2009, based on climate justice principles, which include effective support to
vulnerable communities to adapt to the consequences of climate change through
adaptation funds and technology transfer.
C. Calls upon the international community to ensure the transfer of financial resources
to countries of the South to keep petroleum in the ground in fragile environments and
preserve other natural resources as well as to pay for the costs of climate change
mitigation and adaptation based on tools such as the Greenhouse Development Rights
(GDR) Framework.
D. Demands the cancellation of the illegitimate financial debts of Southern countries,
most urgently for the poorest nations, as part of social and ecological compensations,
not as official development assistance.
E. Recommends that WCC member churches learn from the leadership of Indigenous
Peoples, women, peasant and forest communities who point to alternative ways of
thinking and living within creation, especially as these societies often emphasize the
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value of relationships, of caring and sharing, as well as practice traditional,
ecologically respectful forms of production and consumption.
F. Encourages and supports WCC member churches in their advocacy campaigns
around ecological debt and climate change, mindful of the unity of God’s creation
and of the need for collaborative working between Southern and Northern nations.
Specifically supports the activities of churches in countries that are suffering from
climate change.
G. Calls for continued awareness-building and theological reflection among
congregations and seminary students on a new cosmological vision of life, eco-justice
and ecological debt through study and action, deeper ecumenical and inter-faith
formation, and through the production and dissemination of relevant theological and
biblical study materials.
H. Urges WCC member churches and church institutions to conduct ecological debt
audits in partnership with civil society, including self-assessment of their own
consumption patterns. Specifically, the WCC should establish a mechanism to
provide for recompense of ecological debt incurred by its gatherings, and to collect
positive examples of ecological debt recognition, prevention, mitigation,
compensation, reparation and restitution in partnership with civil society groups and
movements.
I. Calls for deepening dialogue on ecological debt and the building of alliances with
ecumenical, religious, economic and political actors and between the churches in
Southern and Northern countries.
j. Stresses the importance of accompanying ongoing struggles and strategically linking
and supporting the efforts of peasant, women’s, youth and indigenous peoples’
movements through the World Social Forum and other avenues to design alternative
compensation proposals, as well as to avoid amassing more ecological debt.
K. Calls upon WCC member churches through their advocacy work to encourage their
governments to work for the recognition of the claims of ecological debt, including
the cancellation of illegitimate financial debts.
L. Calls upon WCC member churches to deepen their campaigns on climate change by
including climate debt and advocating for its repayment by applying the ecological
debt framework.
M. Calls upon WCC member churches to advocate for corporate social accountability
within international and national legal frameworks and to challenge corporations and
international financial institutions to include environmental liabilities in their
accounts and to take responsibility for the policies that have caused ecological
destruction.
N. Calls upon WCC member churches to support community-based sustainable
economic initiatives, such as producer cooperatives, community land trusts and bio-
regional food distributions.
O. Encourages churches all over the world to continue praying for the whole of creation
as we commemorate on 1 September this year the 20th anniversary of the encyclical of
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His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I, establishing the day of the
protection of the environment, God’s creation.
7.5.3 Statement on sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of
Congo
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo
“‘No, my brother, do not force me; for such a thing is not done in Israel ; do not do
anything so vile! As for me, where could I carry my shame ? And as for you, you would be
as one of the scoundrels in Israel ” ‘ (2 Samuel 13:12-14)
1 . As the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues, the brutal
crimes of sexual violence against women have massively increased and become
pervasive in the country, especially since the beginning of the military operations in
January 2009. Thousands of women and young girls have suffered due to rape and
forced sexual slavery, often being forced to also serve as soldiers on the frontiers. As
the Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women in her report to the United
Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in February 2008 stated, “sexual violence has a
defining feature of the DRCs armed conflict*’. Women in areas of armed conflict
suffer sexual violence committed by various actors such as the Forces Armees de la
Republique Democratique du Congo (FARDC), the Police Nationale Congolaise
(PNC), various armed groups and increasingly, civilians as well.
2. The situation of increasing sexual violence against women is most acute in South
Kivu, where non-governmental armed groups, particularly militia from neighbouring
countries, commit sexual atrocities that are of an unimaginable brutality, which go
beyond rape and aim at the complete physical and psychological destruction of
women as sexual slaves with implications for the entire society. Women are brutally
gang raped, often in front of their families and communities. In numerous cases, male
relatives are forced at gunpoint to rape their own daughters, mothers or sisters. Such
women often end up being infected by HIV and stigmatized by their families and, if
married, they are often deserted by their husbands. A concern was also expressed that
security and the justice system fall short of addressing the problems of sexual
violence and that women survivors of rape lack sufficient care and protection. The
majority of sexual violence cases reported in North Kivu since January have been
attributed to government soldiers. There were incidences reported that, in the
Equateur province, soldiers and police officers have also carried out systematic
reprisals against local civilians, including mass rape. With the preparation of military
operations to hunt down the Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR)
fighters, civilians are increasingly becoming the victims of murder, home invasion
and rape. As they operate from forest areas, these armed groups raid local
communities, engage in pillage, forced labour, rape and the enslavement of women
and girls.
3. An independent UN human rights expert reported to the UN General Assembly last
year that the scale and brutality of the sexual violence faced by women in the DRC
amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The UN Security Council
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Resolution 1820 of June 2008 noted that rape and other forms of sexual violence can
constitute a war crime, a crime against humanity, or a constitutive act with respect to
genocide. The Resolution also stressed the need for the exclusion of sexual violence
crimes from amnesty provisions in the context of conflict resolution processes and
called upon member states to comply with their obligations for prosecuting persons
responsible for such acts, to ensure that all victims of sexual violence, particularly
women and girls, have equal protection under the law and equal access to justice.
However, a climate of impunity for crimes against women predominates across the
DRC and local authorities do little to stop it or prosecute those responsible for the
crimes. The justice system falls short of addressing the problems of sexual violence
and women survivors of rape lack sufficient care and protection and, consequently,
most survivors are socially stigmatized and HIV positive. Even the UN does not seem
to have resources and effective mechanisms to deal with such deprivation of human
dignity.
4. While this alarming situation of sexual brutalization of women continues in the DRC,
it is deplorable that churches are not coming forward to condemn these evil atrocities.
The churches seem to relegate sexual violence to the private sphere, and still
understand violence as exclusively physical, disregarding the psychological,
sociological and spiritual effects entirely, as well as the breakdown of community.
“Open secrets” of religio-cultural, social and even church practices which put
women’s lives at risk continue unabated, while sexual violence and the risks of HIV
infection increase at an alarming rate every day. The message to the WCCs eighth
assembly, at the end of the Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women (1988-
1998), was that “violence against women is a sin and therefore an offence against
God”. The mission of the church as a whole is to imitate the compassion of Jesus
Christ for fullness of life for all. The church must participate with confidence and
compassion in eradicating all forms of violence. The WCC reiterates the need for its
member churches to ensure that the innocent are protected and the oppressed are
freed. Instead of continuing with the unjust trend of blaming the victim or accusing
the survivor, as if she is the one who is the sinner, the perpetrators of violence should
be addressed for transformative justice. As Genesis 1: 27 states, God created both
male and female in His own image, as such male and female are equal and so
violence against women is a sin and against God’s will for fullness of life.
5. In view of the fact that all protective mechanisms have failed to combat the increasing
sexual violence against women in the DRC, urgent measures have to be taken by
various actors to prevent this dehumanization in that country. The survivors of sexual
violence in the DRC need moral support to heal their wounds, to overcome gender-
based discrimination and the continuous threat to their life and security. WCC
member churches, civil society organizations, the government of the DRC and the
international community have responsibilities to address this concern.
The central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2
September 2009, therefore:
A. Urges WCC member churches to publically condemn violence against women and to
make constructive efforts to overcome such violence by declaring that violence
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against women is a sin and by the development of clear sexual harassment policies
that also spell out clearly the consequences of such harassments.
B. Encourages all WCC member churches to continue offering solidarity to the women
of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) so that they know that they are not
alone in their struggles and by the initiation of public campaigns to combat violence
in the framework of the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010).
C. Appeals to WCC member churches and civil society organizations to create the space
for women to network with each other from all corners of the DRC and also with their
sisters from the rest of the continent, as well as the rest of the world, in order to
empower women through solidarity and promote healing.
D. Calls upon WCC member churches to humbly acknowledge their sin of omission by
remaining silent regarding the deprivation of human dignity and the loss of life
through AIDS suffered by women and to provide processes of repentance,
forgiveness, transformation and restoration through a credible truth and reconciliation
commission which consists of all stakeholders who have been accompanying victims
of such abuses.
E. Encourages WCC member churches to commit themselves to working out ways of
journeying together through pastoral and psychological care with all who bear the
trauma that violence of different forms has caused them. This may include working
with other organizations, specifically the women’s department of the Eglise du Christ
au Congo (ECC), to develop vocational training for victims so that they can sustain
themselves and also by promoting legal mechanisms so that the perpetrators of
violence are brought to justice. The member churches are also encouraged to develop
educational strategies which work with young boys and girls, in order to eliminate
gender stereotypes.
F. Urges all parties to the armed conflict to immediately commit themselves to putting
an end to all acts of sexual violence against women and girls in the DRC.
G. Supports the demand for the Congolese government (DRC) to end impunity for rape
and to evolve effective strategies to combat sexual violence.
H. Urges the Congolese government (DRC) to bring to justice those responsible for
committing sexual violence.
I. Urges that the Congolese government (DRC) guarantee the security of all its citizens
and in particular protect women and girls from all forms of sexual violence.
J. Supports the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on Violence against
Women to the UN Human Rights Council (February 2008) that the government of the
DRC, the UN, in particular the UN Mission in the DRC, the International Criminal
Court and the international community implement adequate steps to end the sexual
violence against women in the country.
K. Requests that the secretary general of the UN establishes directives and strategies that
will enable the UN Mission in the DRC in the respect of its mandate to better protect
civilians, especially women and girls who are trapped in combat zones, against all
forms of sexual violence.
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7.5.4 Statement on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
1. While the decision of the United Nations (UN) of 1947 (Resolution 181) to establish
two states in the land of Palestine was partially achieved with the creation of the state
of Israel, the second part of this resolution is still waiting for realisation: the
establishment of a Palestinian state. The ongoing settlement policy of the state of
Israel in the territories which have been occupied since 1967 is an obstacle to the
fulfilment of that promise and decision of the community of nations for a viable
Palestinian state. The continuous settlement of lands beyond Israel’s internationally
recognized borders (the 1949 Green Line borders) is almost universally rejected and
met with widespread incredulity because it is illegal, unjust, incompatible with peace
and antithetical to the legitimate interests of the state of Israel. Even as Israel’s own
right to exist in security evokes sympathy and solidarity around the world, its policies
of expansion and annexation generate dismay or hostility as they represent a direct
indicator of the nature of the occupation.
2. There are some 200 settlements with more than 450,000 settlers in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. They make the peace efforts by the
international community more vulnerable and virtually impossible. Even the
“settlement freeze” requested by Israel’s most important ally is met with yet another
cycle of intentional delays, temporary concessions and tactical preconditions -
eroding goodwill, destroying hope and pre-empting the meaningful negotiations
which a good-faith freeze could facilitate. This refusal to freeze expansion further
indicates a rejection of dealing with the core issue of the occupation and settlements
as such.
3. It is heartening that the US administration and governments of many other states have
expressed their determination to remove obstacles to peace and settle the Israel-
Palestine conflict through negotiations that are both substantive and conclusive. This
will begin a new relationship within the wider Middle East. However, it is
discouraging that events in Occupied Palestinian Territory and East Jerusalem
demonstrate yet again the unyielding nature of Israel’s occupation and the continuous
way of creating new obstacles to peace.
4. Instead of freezing the settlement activities, work continues on large urban settlement
projects and on many smaller projects. The Israeli government is still planning to
build some 2,500 new housing units in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Israel’s
policies cause new and repeated displacements of Palestinian citizens inside the
occupied territory. The demolition of houses that took place in June 2009 in East
Jerusalem created untold suffering to the Palestinians. House demolition orders
against hundreds of families were delivered by Israeli municipal and military
authorities and hundreds of church-owned properties are at risk, especially from the
expansion of Israeli-controlled settlements and housing in East Jerusalem. These are
only isolated examples of a much larger tragedy.
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5. The existence of these illegal settlements and their corresponding infrastructure
including the separation wall, the confiscation of Palestinian lands beyond the Green
Line, the so-called “security zones”, and the wide network of tunnels, by-pass roads
and check points, deny Palestinians’ access to large parts of their land and water
resources. They restrict their freedom of movement, diminish their basic human
dignity and, in many cases, their right to life. They also have dramatic effects on the
Palestinians’ right to education and access to health care system. They destroy the
Palestinian economy by impeding movement of products, making the existence of a
viable Palestinian state almost impossible to achieve. This increases the sense of
dispossession and despair among the Palestinian population and contributes to fuel
tensions in the region that will pose a great threat to the security of Israel.
6. The illegal settlements in and around Jerusalem endanger the future of the holy city
that should be negotiated as part of a comprehensive peace agreement. The
settlements isolate Jerusalem from the rest of the Palestinian West Bank, separating
families and cutting economic, religious and cultural vital ties. The related Israeli
policies in regards to the restriction of residency rights for the Jerusalemites through
confiscation of their identity cards, limiting permits for construction of buildings and
refusing family reunification, etc. are aiming at transforming the nature of the holy
city that should be open to all and shared by the two peoples and the three religions.
Recalling the consistent position of World Council of Churches’ (WCC) assemblies,
central committees and executive committees on this question, inter alia, rejecting any
nation keeping or annexing the territoiy of another (Heraklion 1967, Uppsala 1968), the
central committee of the WCC is:
7. Seized of the necessity for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva
Convention to enforce their declaration of 5 December 2001, which reaffirms the
illegality of settlements and of settlement growth, and calls upon the occupying
power “to fully and effectively respect the [Convention]” (Geneva 2002).
8. Reminded of our long-standing assessment that “unilateral actions have radically
altered [Jerusalem’s] geography and demography” (Harare 1998), that United Nations
Resolutions 181, 194, 303 and subsequent decisions prescribe special status for
Jerusalem as a “ corpus seperatum under a special international regime”, and that the
Geneva Conventions prohibit changes in the population and character of occupied
territories which include East Jerusalem.
9. Convinced of the need for “an international boycott of goods produced in the illegal
Israeli settlements in the occupied territories and for member churches and faithful to
join in non-violent acts of resistance to the destruction of Palestinian properties and to
forced evictions of people from their homes and lands” (Geneva 2001).
10. Convinced that churches must not be complicit in illegal activities on occupied
territory - including the destruction of Palestinian homes and lands and the
construction of settlements, related infrastructure and the separation barrier - and
have opportunities to take economic measures that are “equitable, transparent and
non-violent” against these illegal activities and in support of peaceful solutions to the
conflict (Geneva 2005).
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1 1. Dismayed at the imposition of expanding boundaries for one side and ever smaller
confinements for the other, “extending Israeli civilian and military presence inside
Palestinian territory, undermining all peacemaking efforts and... the whole concept of
a viable and contiguous Palestinian state” (Geneva 2004).
12. Reiterating that Christian holy places in Jerusalem must be “integrated and responsive
to Christian communities” whose “life and roots” in Jerusalem are increasingly
threatened by settlement policies there (Nairobi 1975).
13. Recognizing the importance of research, documentation and debate about settlements
by civil society groups, faith based and international organizations, and within Israeli
society, including the Israeli government’s Sassoon Report of 2005.
14. Reiterating the WCC call to member churches to accompany and encourage the
commitment to non-violence and active engagement in peace negotiations leading
towards a comprehensive and just peace in which two nations can exist side by side in
security and within internationally recognized borders.
Accordingly, the central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26
August - 2 September 2009, calls member churches and related organizations to:
A. Pray for and assist people who are suffering because of the implantation of some 200
settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem with related roads and
infrastructure, violence by settlers, military and police controls which favour settlers,
and restrictions of human rights and basic livelihoods for Palestinian citizens.
B. Hear the call of the churches of Jerusalem for concrete actions by the international
ecumenical community toward a just peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.
C. Urge both the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority to consider their own
political sovereignty on the holy land with holy sites for the three monotheistic
religions and continue to involve the “Council of the Religious Institutions of the
Holy Land” in the peace process and particularly regarding the status of Jerusalem
and the holy sites.
D. Call upon their respective governments to distinguish between the legitimate interests
of the state of Israel and its illegal settlements, and to align their actions with that
distinction in the interests of peace.
E. Monitor and question governments that, on the one hand, provide Palestinians with
humanitarian aid and development assistance while, on the other hand, pursuing
foreign policies that allow Israel to inflict suffering on Palestinians, divide the West
Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza, maintain the blockade of Gaza, and impose various
restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
The WCC central committee also:
F. Calls upon the occupying power to fully and effectively respect the Fourth Geneva
Convention, including its prohibition against changes in the population and character
of occupied territories.
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G. Calls upon the government of Israel to urgently implement an open-ended freeze in
good-faith on all settlement construction and expansion as a first step towards the
dismantlement of all settlements.
H. Invites member churches and faithful to give moral and practical support to non¬
violent acts of resistance to the confiscation of land, the destruction of Palestinian
properties and the eviction of people from their homes and lands, as the central
committee recommended in 2001.
I. Encourages people on both sides of the conflict who have consistently supported the
exchange of land for peace.
J. Commends member churches, specialized ministries and church peace networks for
taking part in the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel, 4-10 June 2009,
convened by the WCC and with a focus on the issue of settlements.
K. Invites member churches that have not yet adopted the 2007 Amman Call to do so
and to join with other churches working for peace as part of the Palestine Israel
Ecumenical Forum.
L. Reiterates the call for the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention
to enforce their declaration of 5 December 2001, which reaffirms the illegality of
settlements and of settlement growth.
M. Reiterates the need for an international boycott of settlement products and services,
for member churches to inform themselves about settlement products imported into
their countries and for churches to practice morally responsible investment in order to
influence businesses linked to the Israeli occupation and its illegal settlements.
N. Requests the US administration to ensure that the settlement issue is resolved as part
of a comprehensive peace agreement which will include linked and sequenced steps
between interim and final status measures.
7.5.5 Statement on caste-based discrimination
The central committee approved the following statement by consensus:
Statement on caste-based discrimination
“ Every human being, created in the image of God, is a person for whom Christ has died.
Racism, which is the use of a person ’s racial origins to determine the person ’s value, is an
assault on Christ ’s values and a rejection of his sacrifice. Wherever it appears, whether in
the individual or in the collective, it is sin. It must be openly fought by all those who are
on Christ ’s side, and by the church as the designated vehicle and instrument of Christ ’s
purpose in the world. ”
- An excerpt from the statement of the Conference on Racism in Notting Hill, UK in 1969
1. At least 160 million people in India and up to 260 million people globally are
considered by their own societies as “untouchable” - as polluted and polluting on
account of caste - a peculiar system of social stratification that has its origins in
South Asia. The entrenched attitudes of caste identity and discrimination, founded
upon a presumption of inequality which directly contradicts the fundamental principle
that all people are born equal in dignity and rights, continue to affect a large number
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of people in many ways. Although “untouchability” and discrimination on the basis
of caste were abolished according to the Indian constitution, these practices continue
to determine the socio-economic and religious standing of those at the bottom of and
outside the caste hierarchy and their consequent disempowerment. According to
statistics compiled by India’s National Crime Records Bureau, “Every hour two
Dalits are assaulted; every day three Dalit women are raped, two Dalits are murdered,
two Dalit homes are torched, and in the year 2000, 25,455 crimes were committed
against the Dalits”.
2. The stigma that is attached to Dalits is based on their descent and their traditional
occupations - usually the most dirty, dangerous and demeaning occupations in their
societies. One of the most extreme examples of caste-based assignment of the worst
jobs is “manual scavenging”, the manual collection and removal of human faeces
from dry latrines. Although, the Indian National Human Rights Commission has
called manual scavenging “one of the worst violations of human rights”, and despite
the adoption of legal measures to eradicate manual scavenging, this age old system is
still being practiced in many parts of India.
3. Discrimination based on caste persists in several parts of India and elsewhere,
regardless of any personal qualities or achievements an individual may have. While
untouchability has been constitutionally abolished and a range of legislative
measures, including a complex system of affirmative action known as “reservations”,
are in place, Dalits continue to be excluded, marginalized and shunned in all aspects
of life and their efforts to claim justice are met with violent reprisals. When Dalits
and other caste-affected groups challenge practices of untouchability, they often face
violent sanctions and social boycotts. Having been relegated to a segregated position
characterized by poverty and misery for centuries, they continue to be the most
disadvantaged, particularly of the Indian population. Poverty, illiteracy,
unemployment, disease and malnutrition, and crime and violence exist among the
Dalits on a large-scale. The Dalits of India provide the paradigmatic example of
social exclusion on the basis of their caste identity.
4. Continuing the practice of caste-based discrimination and untouchability affecting
such a large number of people in so many ways must, therefore, be confronted. It is
unfortunate that the practice of caste-based discrimination exists in some churches in
India. The Dalit Christians in India are also discriminated against by the state, which
denies them certain rights and privileges ascribed to other Dalits as part of its
affirmative action. It is becoming increasingly evident that the similar features of the
South Asian caste system that are a product of inherited social exclusion and
discrimination are shared with a number of other geographically and culturally
disparate societies.
5. The World Council of Churches (WCC) has long been involved in supporting the
efforts of assisting churches and civil society organizations engaged in the struggle of
Dalits against discrimination. The WCC accompanied churches in India in various
ways to promote the concerns pertaining to the plight of Dalits in that country. The
WCC made interventions at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Commissions in
the past. Most recently, the WCC in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation
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(LWF), made an oral intervention at the Durban Review Conference in Geneva on 21
April 2009. It expressed regret that both the World Conference against Racism in
2001 and the Durban Review Conference in 2009 failed to acknowledge the suffering
of the more than 200 million Dalits in South Asia who are discriminated against on
the basis of work and descent. It further stated that, in spite of the many assurances
given by governments in caste affected countries, it was saddened by the daily
suffering of so many millions of Dalits today; suffering that includes murder, rape,
mutilations, beatings, humiliation, extreme poverty and grinding discrimination and
exclusion. Prior to this, in March 2009, the WCC and the LWF had jointly convened
a global ecumenical conference in Bangkok in solidarity with the Dalits and their
struggle for justice, which called upon the ecumenical community to join the struggle
against caste-based discrimination, which is considered the largest systemic violation
of human rights in the world today.
6. Commemorating the historic event of the 40th anniversary of the Notting Hill
Conference on Racism, a WCC conference on “Racism and related forms of
discrimination and exclusion” in Doom, The Netherlands in June 2009 called for a
recommitment to overcoming racism and related forms of discrimination. It
acknowledged that millions of people in many parts of the world and at all levels
continued to be affected by the practice of racism and discrimination. In particular, it
underlined the following forms of exclusion as warranting an urgent Christian
response:
7. “We call upon the World Council of Churches to renew and refocus its priorities so as
to initiate a new churches’ movement to address racism, casteism and related forms of
exclusion in the new context of global economic and environmental crisis, and also
resurgent nationalism.... We believe dignity and human rights to be at the heart of the
Christian gospel and, as concretized by international conventions, the most
constructive framework for the church’s advocacy work...”
Indeed this reality of discrimination and the exclusion of millions of people in many parts
of the world today is a matter of serious challenge to our faith in God, who created us all
equal. Therefore, against this background, the central committee of the WCC, in its
meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009:
A. Asserts its conviction that “caste-based discrimination is a crime” and that “casteism
is sin” because it contradicts the Christian teaching that all are created in the image
and likeness of God.
B. Calls upon WCC member churches and partners to recognize the continued
discrimination and exclusion of millions of people on the basis of caste as a serious
challenge to the credibility of their witness to their faith in God, and to take necessary
steps to expose and transform structures and cultures which perpetuate these gross
injustices.
C. Calls upon its member churches to recognize the fact that untouchability practised
against Dalits in India and South Asian countries as well as other similarly affected
communities elsewhere, represents one of the gravest systemic violation of human
rights in the world today.
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D. Urges the UN Human Rights Council to ensure that the draft Principles and
Guidelines for the Effective Elimination of Discrimination based on Work and
Descent, developed under the former Sub-Commission on the Promotion and
Protection of Human Rights, are adopted in order to provide a firm and appropriate
basis for the international community to address caste-based discrimination.
E. Supports the ongoing work of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial
Discrimination, the International Labour Organization and other international
organizations to address untouchability and caste-based discrimination around the
world.
F. Calls upon the governments to ensure that their trade and development policies, and
their roles at the UN and its related bodies, the European Union or other appropriate
institutions, contribute to international recognition of and cooperation to eradicate
caste-based discrimination and to render justice to the Dalits.
G. Endorses the Bangkok Call to urge national and international ecumenical bodies to
develop further their on-going work on justice for Dalits and to collaborate to
establish a global watch on violence against Dalits, creating a communication system
between all member churches and beyond.
H. Expresses its support for the struggles of Dalit Christians in India in the face of the
denial of their constitutional rights on account of their religious affiliation.
I. Calls upon churches and the international community to support the campaign for the
elimination of “manual scavenging” in India by 2010.
J. Invites the participation of all sectors of the ecumenical movement to, as was stated at
the World Conference against Racism in 2001, “earnestly strive to break the cycles of
global racism and assist the oppressed to achieve self-determination”.
K. Urges interfaith conversations to address the ethical and theological challenges posed
by the reality of caste-based discrimination.
7.5.6 Minute on the situation facing the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
The central committee approved the following minute by consensus:
Minute on the situation facing the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
“If one member suffers, all suffer together with it. ” (1 Corinthians 12:26)
1. In December 2006 the elected government of Fiji, a Pacific island nation of some
920,000 people, was overthrown in a military coup and an “interim government” was
installed, with the head of the military, Commodore Frank Bainimarama serving as
prime minister. In April 2009 the Fiji Court of Appeal declared that the coup was
illegal. Within days the interim government abrogated the national constitution,
dismissed the judiciary, brought in censorship of the media and announced public
emergency regulations, which, among other things, require government permits to be
issued for meetings to be held, including church meetings.
2. The population of Fiji consists of two main groups - indigenous Fijians, around 55%
of the population, and Indian Fijians who are descended from labourers brought from
India in the 19th century, around 42% of the population. The vast majority of
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indigenous Fijians are Christian (over 95%) and Christianity is very much part of
indigenous Fijian culture, especially through the Methodist church. The Indian Fijians
are mostly Hindu (28% of the overall population) or Muslim (6%).
3. Almost two-thirds of indigenous Fijians belong to the Methodist church, a World
Council of Churches (WCC) member church. Overall around 35% of Fijians are
Methodists (327,000 members, including some Indian Fijians). The Roman Catholic
Church is the second largest with around 60,000 members. The Anglican Church,
with around 8,000 members, is the only other WCC member church in Fiji.
4. Military coups also took place in 1987 and 2000. These earlier coups were regarded
as supportive of the political interests of the indigenous Fijians, and it is generally
perceived that the Methodist church, with its strong indigenous membership,
supported these coups. The 2006 coup, however, is perceived as favouring the Indian
Fijian population, and the interim government has significantly diminished the place
of traditional Fijian culture in Fiji’s national life. One example is that the role of the
previously veiy powerful Council of Chiefs has been terminated by the interim
government.
5. Immediately after the 2006 coup, the Methodist church issued statements deploring
the coup and protesting the illegality of the interim government. Many smaller
churches joined the Methodists in publicly stating this view, but it is noted with regret
that there is little communication between the Methodist, Anglican and Roman
Catholic churches at present. The Methodist church has maintained its public stance
on the illegality of the interim government since 2006. The church has therefore
refused to take part in processes initiated by the interim government for community
participation in planning for the future of Fiji. While this policy of the church is
understandable and perfectly valid, it means the church has unfortunately sidelined
itself from processes which may well have a large influence on the nature of Fiji in
the future
6. Since May 2009, the interim government has taken these actions against the
Methodist church:
• banned the church from holding its annual 2009 conference, the chief governing
body of the church (and the ban may stay in place until after the planned return to
democracy in 2014);
• banned the annual choir festival of the church, which is held in association with
the conference and which assists in the annual raising of funds for the life and
mission of the church;
• arrested and charged nine Methodist leaders, including the president and general
secretary, with breaches of the emergency regulations; all nine have been
released on bail, with strict conditions as to what they can and cannot do,
including the surrender of their passports;
• ordered the church not to hold a service of induction of its president and general
secretary, scheduled to take place on 23 August;
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• banned the weekly radio program of the Methodist church and the weekly radio
program conducted by the Methodist general secretary.
7. In August 2009 the WCC arranged for a team of three church leaders from
neighbouring countries to visit Fiji, particularly to express solidarity and support for
the Methodist church at this time. The WCC records its gratitude to the Pacific
Conference of Churches (PCC) for the PCC’s organizational assistance and
hospitality generously provided to the WCC team. The team met with leaders of the
Methodist church and participated in worship in Centenary Church, Suva, on 23
August. The team also met with leaders of the PCC, with Anglican Bishop Apimeleki
Qiliho, with several non-governmental organizations, and with Prime Minister
Bainimarama. The prime minister asserts strongly that among the leaders of the
Methodist church there are ethno-nationalists whom he regards more as politicians
than church leaders, and that it is the ethno-nationalist political aspirations and
actions of these leaders that have caused his government to act against the church.
The team was pleased to receive an assurance from the prime minister that the interim
government is open to dialogue with the Methodist church.
8. There is a vast diversity of opinion among Fijians concerning the interim government.
Viewpoints range from strong support for the interim government, especially for its
actions towards a more just multiracial and multi-faith society, to outright opposition
to the interim government and all it appears to stand for. Some are concerned that
while the interim government states it plans a return to democracy in 2014, that date
might be further extended and Fiji might be ruled in the long term by a military
dictatorship or military junta. These different viewpoints are present also within the
membership of the Methodist church.
9. The Methodist church has a firm commitment not to respond to the interim
government’s actions in any way that might lead to public protests against the
government and to possible violence and bloodshed. The church wishes dearly to find
a peaceful resolution of the difficulties they face. The church is open to discussions
with the interim government, with or without the assistance of a mediator, and is open
to reviewing its policy of non-participation in community and government processes
considering the future of Fiji.
The central committee of the WCC, meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, 26 August - 2
September 2009, therefore:
A. Expresses deep concern at the actions taken by the interim government of Fiji against
the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
B. Commends the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma for its careful and measured
response to the actions taken against the church by the interim government of Fiji.
C. Encourages the Pacific Conference of Churches to facilitate increased dialogue
among the churches in Fiji, especially between the Methodist, Anglican and Roman
Catholic churches.
D. Urges the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma to seek opportunity to engage in
dialogue with the interim government.
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E. Encourages the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, while maintaining its stand on
the illegality of the interim government, to consider participating in community and
government processes which give consideration to the future of Fiji’s political,
economic, social and inter-religious life.
F. Requests the WCC general secretary to respond promptly to any requests and
suggestions from Fijian churches for possible further WCC actions in support of the
church in Fiji.
G. Calls upon WCC member churches to pray for the nation and people of Fiji, that a
peaceful return to democracy and the rule of law, and a vibrant and peaceful
multiracial and multi-faith community, will emerge as soon as possible.
7.5.7 Minute on the responsibility of churches for communities enduring anti-
Christian violence
The central committee approved the following minute by consensus:
Minute on the responsibility of churches for communities enduring
anti-Christian violence
Christian communities in many parts of the world today are the targets of different forms
of religiously motivated violence or find themselves under threat and intimidation. In
many cases exacerbated by ethnic conflict and frequently in the midst of war and even
following in times of peace, these Christians often find their governments unable or
unwilling to fulfil their responsibility to protect. We have noted a decline of religious
freedom in many parts of the world and an increase of religious intolerance.
Acknowledging the responsibility of each part of the Body of Christ for the whole Body
and remembering the New Testament call to “weep with those who weep” (Romans
12. 15), to “contribute to the needs of the saints” (Romans 12.13), and “to bear one
another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6.2), the
central committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), meeting in Geneva,
Switzerland, 26 August - 2 September 2009:
A. Challenges its member churches to hear the cries of sisters and brothers in Christ
enduring violence, threat and intimidation throughout the world and to give voice to
their suffering so that their pain will not be ignored; pray without ceasing for an end
to violence and a restoration of life; engage in acts of costly solidarity such as
pastoral visits, generous sharing of financial resources, sending letters of support and
consolation and, when possible, offering hospitality and sanctuary to those who are
forced to become refugees while at the same time helping to facilitate their
repatriation.
B. Asks its member churches to engage in public witness challenging their own and,
when appropriate, other governments to protect the lives of citizens in accordance
with international standards of human rights.
C. Lifts up the programme “Accompanying Churches in Situations of Conflict” and
calls upon the general secretary and officers of the WCC to stand in the forefront of
the witness for religious freedom, monitoring situations of violence and alerting its
member churches, facilitating ecumenical responses, organizing ecumenical visits of
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solidarity, and addressing governments and international organizations calling on
them to protect those who are vulnerable.
D. Requests the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs to develop policy
and proposals for supporting religious freedom in multi-faith contexts and effectively
engaging the churches in the defence of Christians experiencing violence.
E. Encourages churches in all contexts to demonstrate interfaith sensitivity in their
witness, by preaching and teaching against retaliation, honouring the right to religious
freedom for all.
F. Reminds the churches that their witness against anti-Christian violence is made more
credible when it is matched by a clear commitment to protect all vulnerable persons
and communities regardless of their religious identity.
7.6 Prayers on the public issues
The following prayers were offered by the public issues committee as a resource to enable
the churches’ engagement with the issues articulated in the minutes and statements
approved by the central committee:
Statement on just finance and the economy of life
O God who is one in Trinity, in you we find the perfect relationship of love and justice.
We confess:
that too often our relationships have been characterized by greed and self interest,
that we have sought wealth and security for ourselves with little thought for your creation,
that our desire for more has meant that others have less,
that we have displayed the Pharisees arrogance and not the widow ’s sincerity in our
giving.
Inspire us with a vision of your oikumene, characterized by love and compassion:
where all have enough to eat,
where work is justly rewarded,
where concern for the least is our most pressing demand,
where life is celebrated and you, the giver of life, is praised.
Statement on eco-justice and ecological debt
Creator and creating God,
in the wonder of your world we experience your providential care for the planet and its
people.
We offer you our thanks and praise.
Creator and creating God,
in the exploitation of your world we recognise our human-centeredness and greed.
We confess our sin before you.
We acknowledge our need for each other as part of your global family from North and
South
And so we pray, “ Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors
Accept our confession O God and offer us your forgiveness
empowering us to transform our lives as individuals, churches and nations,
proclaiming your love for the earth and its people,
enacting the principle of ‘Jubilee ’ in our relationships with one another and the earth,
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repaying our ecological debts in ways in ways which affirm your justice and shalom.
Statement on sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The WCC member churches call on all churches to continue praying for God’s
intervention to end the violence and for His strengthening power to support the victims
of violence in the Congo:
God who is the creator, redeemer and sustainer of life in all its fullness,
we bring before you women and girls who are denied the joy and abundance of life
because of the violence perpetrated against them.
Violence against women and girls is a sin, depriving them of justice and human love.
Yet in the midst of such pain and degradation, we believe that you hold each abused girl
and woman in the cradle of your hand, calling her name, enfolding her with
compassion, sharing with her the same protecting love your blessed mother shared
with vou in your humanity.
Forgive us for the occasions when we have remained silent in the face of such suffering.
Forgive us for the times we have failed to name the violence as a sin and an offence
against you.
Forgive us when we perpetuate cultural, social and church practises which put the lives of
women and girls at risk.
And in granting us your forgiveness,
Empower us to act in solidarity with women and girls entrapped in violence and suffering.
Make us advocates of transformative justice seeking truth and reconciliation for
individuals and communities.
Create within us a desire to work for the inclusive community of women and men, made in
your image and partners in your mission.
Statement on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Jesus Christ, our brother and Saviour,
who walked the roads of the Holy Land and lived as one of her people,
walk with those who find their roads blocked and their families divided through illegal
actions in an occupied land.
Jesus Christ, our brother and Saviour,
who challenged injustice and offered new definitions of power,
challenge us to express non-violent support to all who suffer and to speak out against the
injustice they experience.
Jesus Christ, our brother and Saviour,
who embraced encounters with people from different faith and cultural communities,
embrace and uphold all who seek a just peace and reconciliation between divided peoples
in the land of your human experience.
Statement on caste-based discrimination
God of all peoples
We rejoice that we are made in your image and likeness,
Yet many of your children are stigmatised and persecuted because of human-made
categories and divisions.
Embrace all who suffer,
Challenge our stereotypes and prejudice against those who are different from us,
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Help us to celebrate our common humanity in all its diversity, acknowledging that you are
the source of all life.
Minute on the right of conscientious objection to military service
God of peace and justice,
who creates us with a conscience and ability to make decisions
and declares, “ Blessed are the peacemakers
Uphold those people and their families who, in using these gifts have committed their lives
to peace and justice by refusing to engage in military service.
Help us to find ways of supporting their witness in prayer and action
and commit ourselves again to work for a world where violence has no place.
Statement on the Darfur crisis in the context of Sudan
Compassionate God, who through the death of your Son on the cross, suffers alongside
wounded humanity,
We remember communities and peoples around the world who have been victims of
genocide and mass crimes against humanity.
(the names of specific communities and peoples could be inserted here)
Comfort those who mourn.
Sustain those who live with the scars of violence.
Bless all who work for truth, reconciliation and the healing of memories.
In your name we pray.
Statement on the misuse of the Blasphemy Law and the security of religious
minorities in Pakistan
Holy God,
hear the cries of all
who call out your name in faith and hope
who whisper your name because of persecution and fear
who shout your name in the struggle for justice
who articulate your name in dialogue with people of other faiths
who offer your name in the search for peace and reconciliation.
Hear our cry as we call out to you, ‘Abba, Father, Holy one. ’
Statement of hope in a year of opportunity: seeking a nuclear weapon free world
God of all times and seasons,
You have presented us with a season of hope and a time of opportunity for a nuclear-
weapon-free world.
May we not squander this opportunity
but find ways of working together to make a difference for the whole global family.
Fill us with the vision of your kingdom, where the lion lies down with the lamb, and
weapons are turned into farming tools.
Empower us to declare that authentic security is found in enhancing our human
interdependence in your one creation.
Enable us to live this declaration in our relationships with neighbors, near and far
and to you be all glory and praise, now and forever.
Minute on the situation facing the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
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God of peace, we pray for the nation and people of Fiji. Accompany the churches and the
government as they seek fresh ways of building a Fiji committed to freedom, justice and
peace, and to positive multiracial and multi-faith relationships. In the name of Christ,
Amen.
Minute on the responsibility of churches for communities enduring anti-Christian
violence
Gracious God and Saviour, the friend of all who suffer and the hope of all who are driven
toward despair, make us willing and ready to share the violation of those who have had
the Cross pressed upon them. May our embrace offer consolation and our voice call forth
justice. And in all circumstances may ours be a ministry not of vengeance, but
reconciliation, through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
8 Assembly
8.1 Report of the assembly discernment committee
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and drew attention to the report of
the assembly discernment committee and accompanying narrative of the committee’s
work.
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima presented the report of the assembly
discernment committee. He noted the history of the call for “expanded space” at the
assembly and the various responses heard by the committee over two meetings. He then
invited three members of the assembly discernment committee to share their personal
reflections.
Rev. Heike Bosien evoked the image of the assembly should worship tent as a symbol of
the identity of the people of God in exodus and pilgrimage, asking how the ancient
Israelites would evaluate our conversation about who be sheltered under the tent. In her
personal journey on this subject, she had experienced both hope and disappointment. She
expressed her hope that the council would have the courage to move into unknown
territories together.
Rev. Fr Gosbert Byamungu, representative of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of
Christian Unity, spoke personally about the struggle to discern the role of the World
Council of Churches amid the expectations of the many partners. That discernment
focused on the need to give and receive the unique gifts of each partner, stretching the
imagination and leaving him with more questions than answers.
Bishop David Anba, speaking as a newcomer to the World Council of Churches, reflected
on the origin and development of the proposal for “expanded space.” He found the
distinction between the business functions and spiritual life of the assembly to be very
helpful.
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima then presented the recommendations of
the assembly discernment committee, grounded in the words of Paul in Romans 15:7
“Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
After discussion, the report of the assembly discernment committee was received and
referred to the policy reference committee for consideration.
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8.2 Actions arising from the report of the assembly discernment committee
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session and invited the
policy reference committee to present its report and recommendations concerning the
assembly discernment process. Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul and Ms Motoe Yamada
presented the report.
Policy reference committee’s narrative
The policy reference committee considered carefully the recommendations of the
assembly discernment committee. Appreciation was expressed to the committee for its
work. Questions were raised about the order of the ten recommendations as well as
questions of clarity and precision within the particular recommendations. At times the
policy reference committee wondered what was new about the report’s suggestion for the
inclusion of wider participation at WCC assemblies. It was noted, however, that wider
participation at the 2013 assembly was to be anticipated, and hence more intentional than
in the past. Questions were raised about the degree to which the inclusive nature of the
assembly, in expressions such as “other ecumenical partners”, ought to be explicit in the
recommendations; it was noted that the spirit of the recommendations takes into account a
broad and comprehensive understanding.
Central committee’s decisions
The central committee approved by consensus to receive with appreciation the report of
the assembly discernment committee, which based its recommendations on the words of
St Paul to the Romans, “Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for
the glory of God” (15.7), and reaffirmed that all dimensions of the next assembly should
be nourished by its spiritual life through prayer and Bible study, where all participants
would gather under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
• After considerable discussion and refinement of the recommendations, the central
committee approved by consensus that:
a) The assembly planning committee be asked to keep in mind as it plans the
assembly the central mandate of the WCC that the churches call one another to
the goal of visible unity.
b) The next WCC assembly should be open and more inviting to increase
participation and interaction with the wider ecumenical movement.
c) The next WCC assembly should focus on relationships among member churches
and with ecumenical partners, and specifically on relationships among its
constitutive components on the basis of the ethos of fellowship and consensus,
with attention to the particular participation of the Orthodox churches.
d) The WCC should continue to be open to dialogue with the Christian world
communions, reflecting on the possibilities of more coherence and common
global gatherings or assemblies.
e) Assembly plenaries should involve ecumenical partners. Invitations should be
sent to CWCs, REOs, NCCs, specialized ministries, mission agencies and other
ecumenical partners, so that their voices are heard and their contributions to the
ecumenical movement are more visible.
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f) The composition of the assembly planning committee should take into account
both confessional and regional balances and ensure the inclusion of youth and
women organizations, specialized ministries, Christian world communions and
other ecumenical partners. The perspective of disability advocates and of other
marginalized groups needs to be represented.
g) The assembly planning committee is urged to give ample attention to the
intended and planned interaction and to develop bridges between the different
assembly components, including:
i) Separate days (possibly at the beginning of the assembly) to be allocated
specifically to the “marketplace” life of the assembly, so that delegates may
participate fully to be enriched and informed by them.
ii) Further consideration should be given to the creation of group encounters
that promote significant exchange among delegates and other participants,
and in particular an ancillary youth gathering, to maximize the engagement
of young people in the assembly. The size of such groups should be
consonant with the aim of the encounter.
h) Distinguishing between the governance aspects and the other components of the
assembly is essential to ensure greater levels of participation and interaction.
i) The significance of the ethos of fellowship and consensus requires intentional,
substantive training of assembly leadership (moderators, rapporteurs, recorders).
j) The implications of the elections/nominations process for the life of the assembly
should be considered carefully and a process be developed that would encourage
deepened fellowship among the churches.
k) The assembly planning committee is asked to consult with the permanent
committee on consensus and collaboration in planning the next assembly.
H.E. Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina and Dr Audeh B. Quawas, both of the Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, wished it to be minuted that their church strongly
objects to an assembly which would include non-member churches, especially Pentecostal
churches, and would therefore need to reassess its participation in light of these decisions.
8.3 Report on the assembly venue search process
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a hearing session and invited
presentation on the process thus far in selection of the assembly venue. A video drew
attention to the ways in which the setting - in time and space - of each assembly had
shaped its content and impact. Rev. Rui Bernhard, special consultant on the assembly
venue search process, summarized the search process thus far, especially expressing
gratitude to the host churches in the four locations which were visited - South Korea,
Rhodes (Greece), Syria and Ethiopia. He reminded the committee of the search criteria
approved at the last central committee meeting, and reported that all four of the locations
were suitable venues which satisfy all the criteria. Mr. Bernhard then invited
representatives from each of the four venues to make brief presentations to the central
committee.
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Ms Hae-Sun Jung (Methodist Church) presented the invitation to hold the assembly in
Busan, Korea, and shared a video representing the vision of the Korean churches for an
assembly in their unique context. Rev. Dr Jong-Wha Park (PROK) presented information
about the infrastructure available in Busan, the ecumenical and interreligious situation in
South Korea, and the larger context of northeast Asia.
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima spoke on behalf of the Ecumenical
Patriarchate, which had presented Rhodes (Greece), an island in the Aegean Sea with
ancient Christian history, as a venue for the 10th Assembly of the World Council of
Churches. Rhodes had hosted many ecumenical meetings and was well-prepared to host
the assembly. However, after learning that the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
and All the East had invited the assembly to meet in Damascus, the Ecumenical
Patriarchate resolved to withdraw the invitation to Rhodes and to give its support to an
assembly in the Middle East. Instead, the Ecumenical Patriarch extended his warm
invitation to the central committee to hold one of its own meetings in Rhodes in the near
future.
Mr Samer A1 Laham noted that although the letter of invitation to Damascus came from
the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, the invitation was offered on
behalf of all the churches in Syria and the Middle East, and including the Islamic
community in Syria. He shared the vision of the Middle Eastern churches of an assembly
in the birthplace of Christianity, marked by profound ecumenical witness and
interreligious dialogue and giving shape to the future of Christianity in the Middle East.
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta Roham invited the World Council of Churches to
experience the signs of hope in the Middle East, in solidarity with the Christians of the
area who live as “salt and light” in their context. He noted that the Muslim communities in
Syria deeply desire to welcome the assembly to Damascus. Finally, he encouraged the
ecumenical family to take the opportunity to experience the life of the Orthodox churches
in the Middle East.
Dr Agedew Redie presented the invitation of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church to hold the
10 assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which was offered by H.H. Patriarch Abune
Paulos on behalf of all the churches in Ethiopia. By video, Abune Paulos addressed the
central committee and shared the unique religious, historical and cultural aspects of the
Ethiopian context.
Rev. Rui Bernhard then concluded by remarking that each venue was capable of hosting a
great assembly. Ultimately the choice of venue was a matter for discernment. Each of the
past assemblies was shaped by the context in which it met - shaped by the witness of the
host churches, the concerns and hopes of the local people and the events taking place
around the world at that time. The task of the central committee was to discern the context
in which the 10th Assembly would make its impact on the churches and the world.
The report on the assembly venue was received and referred to the policy reference
committee for consideration.
8.4 Selection of the assembly venue
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session. H.G. Bishop Nareg Alemezian,
moderator of the policy reference committee, invited the committee’s rapporteurs to
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present their report on the selection of an assembly venue. Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul and
Ms Motoe Yamada presented the report.
8.4.1 Policy reference committee’s narrative report
The policy reference committee celebrated the fact that so many churches had come
forward offering to host the assembly. This was seen as an expression of commitment to
the fellowship of WCC member churches and to the wider ecumenical movement. The
committee noted with special joy that so many Orthodox member churches had expressed
their willingness to host the next assembly.
The policy reference committee expressed appreciation for the three presentations from
the churches in Korea, Syria and Ethiopia. Each of the presentations reminded the central
committee of different aspects of the meaning, significance and potential for witness of an
assembly in any location. The committee also expressed appreciation for the venue search
team and their report.
The policy reference committee noted that each assembly was a landmark and a turning
point, not only in the life of the fellowship, but for global Christianity. The committee
recognized the preparedness of each potential host venue, including the churches’ spirit of
cooperation, the logistical readiness and the positive civic support. Each potential venue
met the criteria for hosting the next WCC assembly.
The policy reference committee met with representatives from the churches offering to
host the assembly and with the venue search team. The committee had the opportunity to
ask many questions and to discuss in more detail the impact that the next assembly would
not only have on the host churches and region, but also the impact that the local churches
would have on the fellowship of WCC member churches.
The policy reference committee discussed various issues around security, space and
possibilities for public witness, accessibility for persons with disabilities, the relationship
with host governments and the logistical challenges and opportunities to promote
sufficient interaction amongst assembly delegates. The varied cultural contexts would
have different implications for an expanded assembly. The policy reference committee
also discussed the significant interplay between an assembly and the particular inter¬
religious context of the host country and region, existing WCC programme areas, such as
inter-religious dialogue and cooperation and mission and evangelism, and other initiatives
such as the Global Christian Forum.
The policy reference committee noted that the Syrian context would offer the opportunity
to be present in the cradle of Christianity, a place of uninterrupted Christian witness since
apostolic times, as an expression of solidarity with a threatened and dwindling Christian
population. However, the Korean church context held the possibility of the WCC’s inter¬
relating with the dynamic spirituality of new and emerging churches of evangelical and
Pentecostal families, as well as for witnessing to the possibilities for reconciliation and the
peaceful reunification of divided Korea.
Following discussion, the policy reference committee agreed by consensus to forward two
of the three venues to the central committee for decision: Busan, Korea, and Damascus,
Syria, but not Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, despite the very important historical context of the
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churches in Ethiopia. A stronger preference among policy reference committee members
for Busan, Korea was noted.
8.4.2 Plenary discussion and decisions
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann stated that the matter had been laid before the central committee
in the spirit of consensus, and that it was now for the committee to discern the venue of
the 10th Assembly.
Considerable discussion arose regarding the final sentence of the policy reference
committee’s report, indicating that the committee had taken an internal straw poll.
Members disagreed as to how much weight the results of that poll should have in the
plenary discernment process.
Procedural concerns and proposals were aired, after which the central committee approved
by consensus to determine the venue of the 10th Assembly by a secret ballot between two
proposed venues - Busan, Korea and Damascus, Syria.
The central committee then engaged in sustained discussion about whether or not to allow
a period of discussion before voting. It was finally determined to allow short interventions
in support of the two venues.
After eleven short interventions, the central committee proceeded to a vote by secret
ballot. Numbered ballots were distributed by the staff and counted by the presidents. The
moderator announced the result that the central committee had decided by vote of simple
majority in favor of holding the assembly in Busan, Korea. He concluded the session with
an expression of deep gratitude to all the churches and contexts which had made
themselves available to host the assembly.
Speaking after the conclusion of the voting, Bishop David Anba, of the Coptic Orthodox
Church, wished his comments to be minuted. He first noted that three quarters of the
invitations to host the assembly were issued by Orthodox churches, surely representing a
milestone in the relationship of Orthodox churches to the World Council of Churches.
Given that the decision was to hold the assembly in a non-Orthodox context, he asked that
the permanent committee discuss means by which the Orthodox churches can continue to
strengthen their ecumenical involvement in preparation for invitations to host the 1 1th
Assembly. Secondly, Bishop David noted that the choice of assembly venue was one of
the most pivotal ways in which the council could express solidarity with its membership,
and urged that in future, consideration be given to which churches are most in need of
such solidarity. Thirdly, he expressed dismay about the persistent questions of security in
relation to the invitation from Damascus, and challenged the members of the central
committee to consider the martyria of the churches in the Middle East, which would call
for a higher emphasis on witness than on security. Members of the central committee
received Bishop David’s comments with appreciation.
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9 ELECTION OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY
9.1 Introduction and procedures
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a closed decision session and offered a prayer for
divine guidance in the decision before the central committee. A count was made of those
present and the moderator declared a quorum to be present. The moderator noted that,
according to the rules, matters related to the election of the general secretary were subject
to voting procedures.
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann then invited Ms Anne Glynn Mackoul to present the procedures
as proposed by the executive committee for use in this election.
Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira moved an amendment to add a provision for a third round of
voting, should a clear winner not be found in the first two rounds. The new language
would be inserted near the end of section 4.d.viii, as follows:
If the re-vote also fails to achieve a simple majority for either candidate, then a third
vote will take place, in which members will cast either a “yes " vote or a “no ” vote or
“abstain ” to that candidate who had the highest number of votes in the previous vote.
If also this third vote fails to achieve a simple majority, the process will then move to
section 4.c above.
The motion was seconded. A point of order was raised as to whether it was too late to be
adjusting the voting procedures. The moderator ruled that the motion was in order. After
debate, the moderator called for vote by show of hands and declared that the motion had
passed.
The moderator called for a vote by show of hands on the entire set of procedures, as
amended, and then announced that the procedures had been approved by majority vote
(see Appendix III).
9.2 Report of the search committee
Dr Agnes Abuom presented the report of the search committee (see Appendix IV), and
recognized the members of the committee with appreciation.
A question was asked as to whether the search committee analyzed the demographic
profile of the applicant pool. Dr Abuom remarked that the search committee did not make
any such analysis, and in fact was quite careful to avoid any consideration of categories
when assessing the qualification and suitability of applicants.
It was moved, seconded and approved that all documents related to the two candidates be
returned by the central committee members before leaving the room, to be shredded.
9.3 Remarks of the nominees
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann announced a change of category to closed hearing session and
invited Rev. Prof. Dr Park Seong-Won (Presbyterian Church of Korea) and Rev. Dr Olav
Fykse Tveit (Church of Norway) to address the central committee. Both candidates shared
their vision for the ecumenical movement and their sense of call to the role of WCC
general secretary.
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9.4 Deliberation
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann announced a change of category to closed decision session. After
discussion on the choice before it, the central committee voted by show of hands to close
debate and move to a formal vote.
9.5 Election
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann called for a secret ballot on whether to accept the two names
recommended by the search committee as candidates for the position of general secretary.
The voting was undertaken in full compliance with the procedures approved earlier in the
session. The moderator announced that the central committee voted to accept the two
candidates.
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann then called for a secret ballot to elect the next general secretary.
In light of the inordinate amount of time required to distribute and collect ballots
according to the approved procedures, the central committee agreed to handle the ballots
without a ticking of names. The officers maintained careful assurance that no one entered
or left the room. The moderator also provided that those who wished to mark their ballot
in private could come to the front of the room to do so. The voting was then undertaken.
The moderator announced that the central committee had duly elected Rev. Dr Olav Fykse
Tveit as the next general secretary of the World Council of Churches.
9.6 Reception
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann signaled a change of category to an open hearing session, and
formally announced to the public that the central committee had elected Rev. Dr Olav
Fykse Tveit as the next general secretary of the World Council of Churches. He expressed
his profound gratitude to Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, Rev. Prof. Dr Park Seong-Won, and
all those who made themselves available to serve as general secretary. He asked God’s
blessing on Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit and promised the prayers and support of the entire
ecumenical community for his successful leadership.
Dr Fykse Tveit then addressed the central committee, thanking God for the gift and
calling to be in this position and expressing his profound joy at this moment. He thanked
his friend and brother, Rev. Prof. Dr Park Seong-Won, for the spirit which prevailed
between them as fellow travelers in the ecumenical journey. He thanked his church and
family, and affirmed that the first fruit of the spirit is indeed joy.
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann invited Archbishop Prof. Dr Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and
All Albania to offer a prayer. He then closed the session with an invitation to central
committee members to greet the general secretary-elect and share in a welcoming
reception.
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10 Finance
10.1 Preliminary financial report
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and invited
Dean Anders Gadegaard, moderator of the finance committee, to present the preliminary
financial report, as follows:
10.1.1 Introduction
It had been the practice of the moderator of the finance committee to present an overview
of WCC finances to the central committee before the finance committee begins its work.
The report provided firstly an historical perspective; secondly, an assessment of the
current financial situation; and finally, a view of the future financial perspectives and
challenges for the council.
10.1.2 2008 Financial report
The audited financial report was authorized for issue on 8 May 2009 by the officers of the
finance committee.
Net (deficit)/surplus (CHF million)
2008
2008
budget
Var fav/(unfav)
Unrestricted funds
(0.4)
0.3
(0.7)
Restricted programme & other funds
(2.0)
(2.8)
0.8
Restricted endowment funds
(1.8)
(1.8)
Total net deficit
(4.2)
(2.5)
(LZ) _
In 2008 WCC reported an overall reduction in funds and reserves of CHF 4.2 million,
compared with the budgeted reduction of CHF 2.5 million. In a climate of global financial
crisis, the principal reason for the unfavorable result was investment losses of CHF F8
million incurred in the restricted endowment funds.
In addition, WCC suffered a deficit of CHF 0.4 million in unrestricted funds, compared to
the budgeted increase of CHF 0.3 million, breaking the pattern of five consecutive years
of growth in those funds. Foreign currency rates fell abruptly against the Swiss franc
towards the end of the year, resulting in exchange revaluation losses, particularly in
treasury positions. In accordance with the council’s policies, foreign currency losses and
gains on general treasury are recognized in the unrestricted funds.
No investment losses were recorded in unrestricted funds, following the decision in
September 2008 to reduce interest rate risk on investments of CHF 9.3 million backing the
general reserves. The balance sheet of the council remained strong at 3 1 December 2008,
with a high level of liquidity.
10.1.3 General reserves
The general reserves, reflecting assets available to the council after meeting liabilities and
obligations and without recourse to land and buildings, closed at CHF 9.9 million. Central
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committee had set a policy that general reserves be equal to 50% of total staff costs; for
2008, this target was CHF 8.9 million. Levels higher than the standard policy target were
set for 2007 to 2008 because the council had planned to finance major capital expenditure
projects partly from its own funds during 2009 and 2010.
General reserves were affected by both increases to unrestricted funds and capital
expenditure. The finance committee would consider reports on capital expenditures and
their financing in order to make recommendations about expenditure limits as well as
targets for unrestricted funds growth.
10.1.4 Revised budget 2009
In June 2009, forecast reductions in membership and programme contributions, in
particular those resulting from the impact of unfavorable fluctuations in foreign exchange
rates, caused the general secretary to take the unprecedented step of issuing a revised
budget reducing planned expenditure by CHF 1 million.
The revised budget 2009 included a planned reduction in restricted funds of CHF 2.1
million, including a reduction of CHF 1 .7 million in programme funds. If this budget is
realized in full, programme fund balances would be reduced to CHF 2.7 million at 31
December 2009, including CHF 1.4 million reserves for the Edinburgh centennial event
and other restricted balances. General programme balances may thus be reduced to less
than CHF 1 million, compared to CHF 19 million in 2001.
10.1.5 Results to July 2009 compared to revised budget
At 31 July 2009, total income was close to target for seven months at CHF 19.8 million.
This result included over CHF 0.3 million of currency gains recorded in unrestricted funds
following the strengthening of certain foreign currency rates compared to their low point
at December 2008. In addition, the restricted endowment fund reported investment gains
of CHF 0.4 million.
Total expenditure was CHF 20.4 million, representing 54% of the full year budget, or a
CHF 1.5 million lag compared to the pro-rata target due to the timing of expenditure.
Typically, direct programme expenditure was higher in the second half of each year.
Results to July 2009 compared to revised
budget
July 2009
CHF 000s
Revised Budget
full year
CHF 000s
Target
58%
Income
Membership and UDI
3,584
6,048
59%
Programme contributions
11,953
23,512
51%
Investments and currency
gains/(losses)
711
30
Rentals, sales & misc. income
3,596
5,927
61%
Total income
19,844
35,517
56%
Expenditure
Grants
2,036
4,215
48%
Staff costs
10,632
18,459
58%
All other programme costs
and transfers
7,686
14,855
52%
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Total costs and transfers
20,354
37,529
54%
Surplus/(deficit)
(510)
(2,012)
Increase/(decrease) in Restricted Funds
(1,331)
(2,105)
Increase unrestricted funds
821
352
Decrease in designated funds
-
(259)
Net Surplus/ (deficit) for the year
(510)
(2,012)
10.1.6 Future perspectives
Programme contributions had decreased by over CHF 5 million or almost 20% in the last
six years. The global financial crisis of 2008 had aggravated this underlying long-term
trend.
A draft budget for 2010 would be reviewed by the finance committee. At this stage, it
included total income of CHF 33.7 million and an addition to unrestricted funds of CHF
350,000 which was only half of the target figure set by central committee in February
2008.
Although funding requests had been sent to WCC partners in July as planned, formal
responses were not expected until later in the year. There was a risk that some funding
partners would not be able to fulfill our requests for contributions.
Remaining vigilant is crucial with regard to the financial risks involved in major capital
expenditure projects. The four-year fire security upgrade of the Ecumenical Centre was
nearing completion at an expected cost of CHF 6.6 million and the main hall had been
renovated at a cost of CHF 1.3 million. In addition the finance committee would review
revised plans to extend the conference facilities at the Ecumenical Institute for an
estimated CHF 7 million to be financed by bank loans. The collective impact of these
plans on the financial stability of WCC would be considered by the committee.
The framework budgets for 201 1 and 2012 provided with an opportunity to consider the
financial implications of medium-term plans in the years leading up to the next assembly.
Plans included the following:
• the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation is a major event planned for 2011 at
an estimated cost of CHF 2.3 million;
• a central committee meetings, scheduled in both 2011 and 2012, at an annual cost of
CHF 700,000;
• from 2011, the project to extend the conference facilities at the Ecumenical Institute
was expected to generate both annual income and operating expenses of about CHF 1
million; and
• the preparation for the 10th Assembly involved costs and a focus on fund-raising in
the years up to 2013.
Given the current uncertainties concerning income, and other risks to be considered, the
finance committee would consider the importance of planning for contingencies and
alternative scenarios.
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10.1.7 Income strategy
A full-time director for income monitoring and development had been appointed. This
would be a key role in the coming years in ensuring WCC continues to attract the interest
of its members and funding partners to provide the contributions needed to carry its work
forward. In addition, the Korean Methodist Church agreed to second a member of staff to
reinforce the income development team thus further strengthening the capacity to tackle
the challenges ahead.
The decreasing level of membership contributions and the declining number of member
churches contributing remained a serious concern. However, some successful efforts had
been made by governing body members to encourage inactive churches to renew their
relationship with the council by making their membership contributions.
WCC was faced with the need to raise considerable funds to cover the costs of the IEPC
and the 10th Assembly. The IEPC was planned to cost CHF 2.3 million; to match the 9th
Assembly budget, CHF 6.4 million should be raised in the coming four years for the next
assembly. A target of CHF 1 million is to be raised towards the extension of the
conference facilities at the Ecumenical Institute. At the same time, the ongoing
programme work of the council needed to be funded.
This fund-raising effort was required at a time when WCC’s traditional partners may have
fewer resources to share. Its success would depend upon the active participation of
governing body members as well as programme staff working together in this common
cause. At its meeting in February 2008 the central committee approved the formation of a
Fundraising Advisory Group. This group would need support and encouragement. An
income strategy would not produce the results sought unless is brought alive with
commitment and enthusiasm.
10.1.8 Pension fund
The WCC pension fund had become a cause for considerable concern following disastrous
investment results in 2008. The fund’s assets covered only 80% of its obligations at the
end of 2008, representing a deficit of about CHF 20 million. In February 2009, at the
request of executive committee, the moderator of the Finance Committee met with the
pension fund board to review the financial situation and its proposed remedial actions.
Financial markets had recovered considerably to July 2009 and some improvement in the
financial situation of the pension fund could be anticipated.
The finance committee would meet with the moderator of the pension fund board to
review a report of the remedial actions taken, and perspectives for the future of the
pension fund. The finance committee would consider implications for WCC as employer.
10.1.9 Governance
In fulfilling its governance role, the finance committee would also consider the following:
• Comprehensive auditor’s report 2008;
• Report from the audit committee, including recommendation for appointment of
auditors for 2009; and
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Status of issues raised in the internal control self-evaluation required by Swiss law for
2008.
The finance overview presented to executive committee this week (see Appendix V).
Questions on the finance overview would be welcomed by the finance committee.
10.2 Hearing on the report of the finance committee
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session, inviting Dean Anders Gadegaard to
present the first report of the finance committee. Members were invited to share verbal
and written reflections prior to the decision session on finance on Tuesday.
In the comments from the floor, members asked the finance committee to harmonize its
recommendations on the audit committee mandate with those of the nominations
committee, and to bring a clearer recommendation regarding the development of the 2010
budget.
10.3 Actions arising from the finance committee report
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a decision session and invited Dean Anders
Gadegaard to present the revised report and recommendations of the finance committee.
Dean Anders noted that, after careful consultation, it was determined that the
recommendations regarding the audit committee be struck from the finance committee
report, in order to be considered under the nominations committee’s report.
10.3.1 Financial statements 2008
Finance committee ’s narrative
As stated in the preliminary finance report, the financial results for 2008 presented a
deficit of CHF 4.2 million including investment losses of CHF 1.8 million on the
restricted endowment funds. No investment losses were recorded in unrestricted funds
following the decision of the executive committee in September 2008 to reduce interest
rate risk on the CHF 9.3 million bond portfolio which was subsequently placed in Swiss
money market funds and deposits.
A deficit of CHF 0.4 million was recorded on unrestricted and designated funds compared
to a budgeted increase of CHF 0.3 million. The principal reason for the deficit was a
dramatic unfavourable fluctuation of foreign currency rates at the year-end adversely
affecting the valuation of treasury positions. Despite this difficult financial year the
general reserves closed above target at CHF 9.9 million.
The KPMG audit partner presented the comprehensive auditor’s report, a new format of
management report following revisions of the Swiss law effective in 2008. He presented
the following issues:
a) The pension fund presented a shortfall in assets of CHF 20 million at 3 1
December 2008. A charge of CHF 0.4 million had been included in the income
and expenditure account of the council in 2008 concerning the commitment to
make a 1% remedial contribution to the pension fund from 2009-201 1. The audit
partner clarified that, in his opinion, under Swiss law the responsibility of the
employer to act as the “funder of last resort” did not require that the shortfall of
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CHF 20 million be presented as a potential liability of the council. In his view
this would be required only after all other avenues of corrective action had been
exhausted.
b) The council had consolidated the financial results of the Ecumenical Disability
Advocates Network (EDAN) for the first time, in recognition of the fact that it
exercised effective control over EDAN’s financial and operational policies. The
audit partner emphasised the importance of clarifying relationships with other
closely related organizations where WCC contributed financially, provided
infrastructure services and was represented in the governance structure. If there
would be financial responsibility for the council, then a fair presentation of the
council’s financial position required that records be consolidated.
c) It was confirmed that the internal control system (ICS) project launched by
central committee in February 2008 had been completed satisfactorily.
The committee discussed the approval process for the annual financial statements and
expressed concern over current practice compared with the standard proposed in the rules.
The rules required that the finance committee recommend the financial statements to the
central committee for approval. However, in practice the financial statements were
approved annually for issue in early May by the officers of the finance committee to meet
the requirements of funding partners and banks. Over recent years, the practice had been
for delegation of authority to approve the financial statements to be granted to the officers
of the finance committee by the executive committee. Formal delegation of authority from
central committee to executive committee to approve the financial statements had not
always been documented.
Central committee's decisions
Upon recommendation of the finance committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to adopt the financial statements 2008 issued on 8 May 2009 with the approval of the
officers of the finance committee;
• to delegate authority to executive committee to approve the financial statements
2009;
• to record the fact that delegation for approval of the financial statements 2008 was
necessarily granted retroactively to executive committee, which recorded its
delegation of authority to approve the financial statements for issue to the officers of
the finance committee at its meeting in February 2009;
• to require that the authority for approval and issuance of the financial statements be
considered in the current review of the rules by the committee appointed to continue
the task of the working group on governance, accountability and staff policy with
attention to both practical considerations and compliance with Swiss law.
10.3.2 Audit committee report
Finance committee's narrative
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Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, finance committee representative on the audit committee,
presented the apologies of the moderator of the audit committee who had been unable to
attend the meeting. She presented a report of the work of the audit committee in 2008 and
to June 2009. The work included meetings to review audit planning, the status of the
internal control system project, the terms of the engagement letter, financial results during
the year, and the detail of presentation of issues in the draft financial report and the
comprehensive auditor ’s report.
In June 2009, the audit committee conducted an audit tender process, in accordance with
policy requiring that this step be undertaken every five years. This process resulted in a
recommendation to the moderator of the finance committee to consider the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors for 2009, and for the four consecutive years, subject
to annual appointment by central committee. The proposal for a change in auditors did not
reflect any dissatisfaction with KPMG. The choice was principally motivated by a highly
competitive fee offer.
Central committee ’s decisions
Upon recommendation of the finance committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors for 2009, and in principle for the
following four years, subject to annual appointment; and
• to delegate authority to executive committee to appoint the auditors for 2010.
10.3.3 Review of the results to July 2009 and related stewardship issues
Finance committee’s narrative
The period to June 2009 had been particularly challenging for finance management, due to
reductions in expected income, both from members and specialized ministries, and the
impact of foreign exchange rates. In June 2009 the approved budget was required to be
revised, reducing planned expenditure by almost CHF 1 million to match the forecast
reductions in income.
The results for July 2009 were presented, together with the summary of investment and
foreign currency gains compared to the revised budget.
Current financial concerns included the risk of bad debts from related organizations for
which WCC makes advance payments for salaries on a monthly basis. In addition, a clear
target needs to be set to resolve contractual issues related to the relationship with certain
organizations.
The committee reviewed the updated report on corrective actions for control weaknesses
identified by staff in the self-evaluation process conducted in 2008. Actions had been
taken to resolve a number of issues considered of higher risk, including the approval by
executive committee of principles of ethical business conduct and an anti fraud and
corruption policy.
Central committee’s decisions
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Upon recommendation of the finance committee, the central committee approved by
consensus that the following be presented at the next executive committee:
• a draft policy for the management of current accounts with related organizations; and
• the status of and target dates for the resolution of contractual issues identified in a
study of November 2008, for services provided by WCC to other organisations in the
ecumenical centre.
10.3.4 Reflections on the report of the general secretary and the address of the
moderator
Finance committee's narrative
The committee considered reactions to both documents, and several members raised
recommendations which met with the agreement of the committee.
The committee welcomed the insights, vision and reporting from both the moderator and
the general secretary. The presentations offered an important opportunity to stimulate rich
discussion, reflection and improved understanding, which may not be realized to full
advantage when they are read in full in the plenary.
Central committee's decisions
The matter stimulated considerable discussion, including recognition that this matter
ought to have come through the policy reference committee. After refonnulation of the
finance committee’s proposal, the central committee approved by consensus to require
that:
• the moderator provide a full written address and the general secretary provide a full
written report to the members of the central committee in advance;
• the address of the moderator and the report of the general secretary be presented in
such a way to allow for sufficient time to be given for the discussion of the
moderator’s address and general secretary’s report, both in small groups and in
plenary;
• in the interests of ecology, the volume of paper in general being distributed be
assessed, and that a target be set to significantly reduce the use of paper at governing
body meetings.
10.3.5 Revision of the audit committee mandate
Finance committee 's narrative
The finance committee prepared comments on review of GEN 1 0 the report of the working
group on governance, accountability and staff policy and shared these with the
nominations committee. The comments concerned in particular the recommendation for
the extension of the audit committee mandate to include risk assessment, and the
management of internal audit mandates as required. In addition, it is considered, as
outlined in the newly approved anti-fraud and corruption policy , that the audit committee
was an appropriate point of contact for a staff member to raise a concern about
management override of controls.
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10.3.6 Budget 2010
Finance committee ’s narrative
The committee reviewed the draft budget, which presented an increase in unrestricted
funds of CHF 0.35 million, compared with the target increase of CHF 0.7 million.
Restricted programme contributions were budgeted at CHF 21.7 million (compared with
revised budget 2009 - CHF 21 .9 million), although this number was to be confirmed by
funding partners in the autumn, following funding requests issued in July 2009.
The draft budget 2010 included total staff costs of CHF 17 million, compared with CHF
18.5 million in the revised budget 2009. The budgeted reduction of CHF 1.5 million
concerned the transfer of CHF 0.5 million staff costs to ACT Alliance in 2010, and CHF 1
million in savings resulting from the decision not to refill vacancies created by staff
retirements and other staff departures, but rather to reassign certain tasks.
The committee noted that the level of programme fund balances was reduced to a level of
only CHF 2.5 million in 2010. In particular, it was noted with serious concern that the
general Bossey scholarship fund had been to be reduced to almost zero according to the
draft budget.
It was reported that the cost of a central committee was approximately CHF 0.7 million,
or 12% of the unrestricted income budget of CHF 6,048 million for 2009 (or 2% of the
total income budget of CHF 35,517 million). The cost of two executive committees and
two officers’ meetings annually was as follows:
2007 CHF 0.168 million
2008 CHF 0.186 million (included presidents’ meetings)
2009 CHF 0.08 million (costs to date: one executive committee and one
officers’ meeting)
Officers’ meetings included in these figures were estimated at CHF 0.015 million for each
of the two meetings each year. On this basis, the average cost for an executive committee
meeting was approximately CHF 0.078 million.
An alternative budget scenario was also to be drafted for review at this meeting, with an
increase to unrestricted funds of CHF 1 million with the objective for providing a margin
for unexpected developments or needs in 2010. At this stage, no alternative scenario had
been developed to the level of a draft budget.
In his report to the central committee, the general secretary highlighted at point 67 that “in
preparing this alternative scenario the staff leadership group noted that, on the one hand,
reductions in direct costs have brought budgets for activities and projects to a minimum
viable level in many cases. This means that further cuts in direct costs cannot be realised
without completely ending a number of projects. On the other hand, further reduction of
staff capacity must include the termination of activities and projects.”
The committee expressed concern that neither the draft budget 2010, nor the alternative
scenario was submitted at target level, and that the committee was thus unable to fulfil its
obligations in accordance with rule XI.2.a.3 which required that the finance committee
present to the central committee “in respect of the succeeding calendar year, a budget
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covering all activities of the WCC and its recommendations regarding the approval of that
budget.”
Central committee’s decisions
After discussion and refinement of the finance committee’s recommendations, the central
committee approved by consensus that the following be required:
• the draft budget 2010, with an increase in unrestricted funds of CHF 0.7 million, be
developed in accordance with the general direction presented by the general secretary
in his report to the central committee (points 65-74) and the criteria in sections 1 and
3 of the Programme Committee report Gen/Pro 07 as approved by the central
committee, and be ready for review by the officers of the finance committee by 1
November 2009 and for provisional approval by the WCC officers in December 2009
and final approval by the executive committee in February 2010;
• a policy for the minimum required level for the annual closing fund balance for the
general Bossey scholarship fund be drafted, taking into account the cost for the
minimum number of students in an academic year, and that the defined limit be
applied in the draft budget 2010.
10.3.7 Review of the framework budgets 2011-2012
Finance committee’s narrative
The framework budgets for 201 1 and 2012 presented total cost profiles of CHF 37.6
million and CHF 35.9 million respectively, compared to total budgeted costs of CHF 33.8
million in the draft budget 2010.
Compared to 2010, increased costs were included for the IEPC in 201 1 at CHF 2.3
million, for the anticipated costs of running the new Bossey conference facilities at CHF
0.9 million and for central committee, included at CHF 0.7 million in 201 1 and 2012.
The targets for total income in 201 1 and 2012 were set at CHF 38.6 million and CHF 39.7
million respectively, compared to CHF 33.7 million in draft budget 2010. Increased fund¬
raising is required for IEPC, 10th Assembly and the general Bossey scholarship fund to
meet these income targets. Total income also included CHF 1 million to be generated by
the Bossey conference facilities.
Central committee’s decision
After discussion and refinement of the finance committee’s recommendation, the central
committee approved by consensus:
• to require that budgeted costs for central committee be reviewed closely, by
considering the offer of more modest accommodation and by examining how time
may be managed more carefully and efficiently.
10.3.8 Income strategy
Finance committee’s narrative
A progress report on the implementation of the income strategy was presented by the
newly appointed director of income monitoring and development, focusing on the major
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learnings drawn from the staffs work towards each of the five objectives. The committee
recommended this document and its helpful analysis to all interested members of the
central committee.
The following matters were discussed by the committee.
Concerning the objective of strengthening the relationships with specialized ministries and
the ecumenical departments of member churches, emphasis should be placed not only on
WCC’s sharing of vision, ideas and ecumenical experience, but also on the exchange with
the partners, and the fact that much may be learned in working together.
One major element in meeting the objective of continually improved relations with major
partners was the organization of the annual round table meeting. Finance committee
members who had attended the round table meeting remarked on the absence of direct
discussion on the need to raise funds for programmes.
The increase in the number of non-active and potentially non-active churches from 46 in
December 2007 to 83 in December 2008 was a serious cause for concern. Efforts were
required to make contact with the churches concerned, communicating and involving
them in the work of the council.
One principal learning in the work with foundations was the degree of effort which was
required in order that WCC might become known to foundation officers. The involvement
of the general secretary or other leadership staff would be necessary in order to build
fruitful relationships, as well as a focused effort on the design and delivery of project
work.
Central committee's decisions
After discussion and refinement of the finance committee’s recommendation, the central
committee approved by consensus:
• to support actively the recently formed fund-raising advisory group, meeting on 3
September 2009;
• to encourage initiatives to implement training for project executives on project design
and impact analysis in order to improve new fundraising prospects;
• to require that an updated income strategy 2010 to 2013 be presented at the executive
committee in February 2010; and
• to encourage members of the central committee to raise funds in their own countries
for the WCC.
10.3.9 Major capital expenditure projects
Finance committee's narrative
The committee heard reports on the capital expenditure projects as follows,
a) Fire security renovation at the ecumenical centre
The fire security renovation project was budgeted at CHF 6.6 million, and was a four-
year project moving to completion in early 2010. Although costs on electrical
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installations and fire security doors had been higher than planned, it was anticipated
at present that the overall project may be completed at CHF 6.5 million.
b) Renovation of the main hall
The estimated cost of the renovation of the main hall was CHF 1.3 million, compared
with the budget of CHF 1.1 million. The over-expenditure was incurred as a result of
the requirement by the authorities to install sprinklers and other fire security
equipment because of the fire hazard caused by the tapestry.
The committee appreciated the renovation of the main hall, in particular the agreeable
daylight. The explanation for the over-expenditure was accepted as satisfactory in the
circumstances.
c) Bossey conference facilities
The historical monuments and sites commission of the Canton of Vaud rejected the
draft plans for the transformation of the barn and construction of a villa in March
2009. A new project had been developed in August 2009 to create a separate
conference facility near the existing library, and to transform the barn for
accommodation only. The estimated cost of the new project was CHF 7 million,
compared with the previously approved project of CHF 7.6 million, which included
the villa. At this stage, the business plan was to be updated to take account of the new
configuration.
Finalization of the plans and approvals was required in order to obtain financing from
the bank. Expenditure to date on architects’ fees was almost CHF 0.4 million. In
addition, commitments of CHF 0.2 million had been made to renovate facades on the
student building.
Central committee’s decisions
Upon recommendation of the finance committee, the central committee approved by
consensus to require that:
• revision of the model for cost-sharing for the use of office space in the ecumenical
centre by related organizations take account of a share of the depreciation charges,
including those related to fire security renovations;
• work on elements of the plan for the facility at Bossey that had not been started be
suspended until the revised project and business plan had been completed; and
• the business plan for the revised configuration of the Bossey conference facilities be
presented to executive committee in February 2010.
10.3.10 Capital expenditure, financing and general reserves
Finance committee’s narrative
The committee reviewed a report on capital expenditure, comparing the actual expenditure
of CHF 2 million to July 2009 with the limit of CHF 4.9 million for the full year. The
capital expenditure limit had included CHF 1 million for the Bossey conference facilities
project. Given the recommendations in point 9 above, it was now anticipated that only
CHF 0.6 million of capital expenditure would be incurred for the project in 2010. It was
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requested that the revised capital expenditure limit for the year be set at CHF 4.7 million,
taking account of the over-expenditure of CHF 0.2 million on the main hall.
The committee reviewed the longer term capital expenditure plans to 2012 and projections
for the general reserve levels, taking account of planned increases to unrestricted funds,
scheduled loan repayments, anticipated new loans for the Bossey project and the capital
expenditure plans. The assumptions included CHF 1 million of new loans to be obtained
for the Bossey project in 2009. Following the decision at point 9 above to postpone
approval of the Bossey project until February 2010, the loan could be requested until 2010
which will have an unfavourable impact on the general reserves for 2009.
The committee reviewed a comparison of the anticipated level of general reserves at 2010
with the level which had been projected in 2006, when the capital expenditure plans for
2006-201 1 had first been reviewed. The projected level of the general reserves at 2010
was now CHF 1.2 million lower at CHF 7.7 million. Reasons include increases in actual
and planned capital expenditure of CHF 0.7 million and a reduced level of annual
additions to unrestricted funds of CHF 0.5 million.
In order to maintain a level of general reserves closer to the required target of CHF 8.5
million in 2010, the addition to unrestricted funds in 2010 was to reach the target of CHF
0.7 million as emphasised in point 6 above. Further, and subject to the approval of the
Bossey project, the entire project costs would require to be financed either by borrowing
or fund-raising and not, in part, from general reserves as had been planned.
Central committee’s decision
Upon recommendation of the finance committee, the central committee approved by
consensus the revised capital expenditure limit of CHF 4.7 million for 2009.
10.3.11 Status report from the moderator of the pension fund board
Finance committee’s narrative
The pension fund is an independent legal entity, regulated by the Swiss authorities. It
offers retirement benefits to staff of the council and of certain related organizations. The
board is composed of four representatives elected by the employees and four
representatives of the employer appointed by the general secretary. One of the employer
representative positions is currently vacant.
Following losses on investments of CHF 18 million in 2008 the pension fund recorded a
lack of coverage of obligations of 20%. Following consultation with the actuaries the
pension fund board had taken a number of remedial measures to correct this situation,
including the withdrawal of favourable measures for early retirement and the
implementation of remedial contributions from both the employees and the employers.
Despite the measures taken, the actuary had assessed that there was little likelihood of the
fund regaining financial equilibrium within the next seven years unless there were
unusually favourable investment results.
Reasons for the difficulty in regaining equilibrium included firstly the fact that the
“acquired rights” of members were protected in law; remedial measures could reduce the
rights due to members earned up to present, but only in relation to the future. Secondly,
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the fact that the fund was “mature”, with the number of retirees equal to the number of
active members, had an impact on what measures can be taken to improve stability. At 3 1
December 2008, the actuary emphasizes that almost 70% of the obligations of the fund
concern reserves and provisions to meet the pension payments for retired members.
Remedial measures had been focused on reducing the level of increase of provisions for
active members, and not for retired members. Nevertheless, pensions in payment had not
been adjusted for cost of living increases for the past nine years.
Central committee's decisions
Upon recommendation of the finance committee, the central committee approved by
consensus to require that:
• the general secretary be instructed to consult with the officers and the moderator of
the finance committee in the event that the pension fund board made a request for an
extraordinary contribution to the pension fund;
• the general secretary inform the pension fund board as soon as possible of planned
changes in staff numbers with impact on pension fund membership, in order that any
likelihood of changes with legal impact for the pension fund be identified in advance;
and
• given severe concern for the on-going status of the pension fund, the moderator of the
finance committee or his delegate meet once again with the pension fund board,
reporting on developments in the financial situation to the executive committee in
February 2010.
10.3.12 Outstanding issues from prior meetings of the Central committee finance
committee and the executive committee finance sub-committee
Finance committee's narrative
The moderator highlighted a number of issues that remain as yet unresolved. Of these
issues the following were not included in the agenda of this meeting:
a) Implementation of a cost model to give an equitable calculation of charges for
use of office space by related organizations;
b) Target dates for the resolution of contractual issues identified in a study of
services to related organizations;
c) Review in 2009 of the status of the financial relationship between Ecumenical
News International (ENI) and WCC;
d) Status on the revision of the Staff Rules and Regulations which had been referred
to the nominations committee; and
e) Review of the ethical guidelines governing investments.
Work was in progress on most of these issues and a report on actions taken will be made
to the finance sub-committee of the executive committee in February 2010.
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11 Programme
11.1 Report of the programme committee core group
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and drew
attention to the written report of the programme committee core group. Ms Lois
McCullough Dauway, moderator of the programme committee, spoke to the nature and
content of the report. The core group’s mandate was to prepare for the work of the
programme committee, and the report represented the group’s efforts toward that end. The
group received the reports of the commissions and joint consultative bodies and the
programme plans summary for 2010-2013.
The core group found the governance group’s distinction between governance and
management to be very helpful, and came to the conclusion that the programme
committee had, in recent meetings, felt frustrated in its work due to the fact that it was
attempting to engage in the role of management. The core group encouraged the
programme committee to reclaim its role as part of the governance structure, and therefore
to focus on the following five tasks:
• A review of the current situation, including both finance and the mid-term
programme evaluation, hearing how staff have responded and where both threats and
opportunities lie.
• A significant discussion about the role of WCC programme activities, given the likely
need in future for a more modest programme. Rather than see the programme
activities reduced slice-by-slice each, it was time now for the WCC to plan for a more
limited, flexible and sustainable approach to programme work, seeking to identity the
roles that no one else could play, or play as well as the WCC, and which needed to be
undertaken. The discussion would include consideration of relevant items from the
general secretary’s report.
• A discussion with staff about the implications of its conclusions for each of the
programme areas and for the cooperation between them.
• Specific issues arising from the programme activities report and the reports of the
consultative bodies.
• A discussion of the role of the programme committee itself in the light of the core
group’s deliberations and the issues raised in the governance group report. The
discussion would also include some evaluation of the value of the core group, and
whether it should continue.
Dr David Robin Goodbourne then presented the results of the core group’s review of
implementation of programme-related decisions of the last central committee, noting that
all decisions were properly taken up, although not all hopes had been to be realized. He
reported that several issues of cross-programme relevance emerged from the core group’s
meeting with directors, and that these issues would be discussed by the programme
committee. He noted matters arising from the reports of the commissions and joint
consultative bodies, which would be addressed by the programme committee.
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Ms Lois McCullough Dauway commented on the mid-term evaluation, reflecting on the
fact that a very low number of central committee members responded to the evaluation.
In discussion, central committee members offered comments and questions for the
programme committee’s work, including the continuing need to focus and prioritize the
programme work; the severity of the financial problems at Bossey; and the urgency of
expressing the theological, moral and ethical implications of the financial crisis.
The central committee then received the report of the core group with gratitude and
referred it to the programme committee for consideration.
11.2 Report of the programme committee
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session and invited
Ms Lois McCullough Dauway, moderator of the programme committee, to present the
committee’s report.
She began by stating that the committee had received the report of the core group, and
noted the documents it had considered, especially the very well-prepared report from the
staff. Documents before the committee were:
• Report of the core group (Doc. No. GEN/PRO 06)
• Programme report 2008-2009 (Doc. No. GEN 06)
• Accountability report on implementation of the central committee’s decisions (Doc.
No. GEN/PRO 05)
• Reports from commissions and joint consultative bodies (Doc. No. GEN/PRO 02)
• Programme activity plans summary for 2009-2013 (Doc. No. GEN/PRO 05)
11.2.1 The role of the committee
It had been affirmed that the committee’s role was one of governance, not management.
The committee felt the distinction between the roles still needed further clarification. The
meeting agreed that on this occasion it would adopt the approach that would focus on
setting the broad styles and policies of work rather than the approach that expect a more
detailed review and approval of programme plans, and would then review how successful
that had been. The view was expressed that the governance role was easier to fulfil when
staff presented options, supported by argument, rather than when discusss left very open.
The core group agreed to consider this with staff ahead of the next meeting of central
committee.
In introducing the programme work, staff made it clear that the present programme plans
were unsustainable. Further financial savings - ideally half a million Swiss francs - were
needed, and staff were stretched to the limit already. Staff and committee concurred that
the committee’s task was not to identify the detailed items for savings, but to help the staff
develop the criteria that would enable them to see where the priorities should lie.
11. 2.2 Clarifying the role of programme work
With that understanding, and using as a starting point the staffs own list of the roles they
saw the programme work playing, the committee proceeded to identify the key roles they
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wanted to see future WCC programme work play. A process was followed which began in
small groups then sought to develop a consensus in the whole meeting in the light of the
small groups’ reports.
From that process the committee identified four key roles, then sought to enrich its
understanding of them. It stressed that they are key roles for the programme work, not for
the whole life of the WCC, the principal role of which continues to be seeking unity
together. The roles the programme work plays are subservient to that task.
The four roles identified were:
A. Convening. It is the task of the WCC to bring together people from churches,
agencies, ecumenical bodies and other organizations, and provide a space where -
depending on the issues around which people have been convened - fellowship can
be deepened, coalitions formed, common minds be reached. The term “convening” is
at times too strong, as often it is a matter of inviting and hoping - the WCC has no
power to require people to respond. The priority in such “convening” is likely to be:
a) Where there is room for serious theological and spiritual reflection - this should
be the key note in all of the work of the WCC and that the WCC does best;
b) Where choosing the theme around which to convene people is itself a prophetic
act, signalling what WCC understands as the priorities of the kingdom of God -
including response to the marginalised, vulnerable and those whose voices are
ignored;
c) Where the “convening” will contribute to the discernment of the call to and the
gift of unity.
Such a convening role, as distinct from an operational one, required staff with
networking and communication skills more than it requires subject specialists. The
latter could often be engaged from the staff of the churches. But the WCC cannot
leave itself with only networkers on its staff. Its credibility also requires it to have a
number of people who are acknowledged specialists in their field.
B. Developing partnerships. The WCC is not the only actor in the fields of concern
with which it engages: there are other local churches, ecumenical bodies, specialized
agencies, secular bodies and also those Christian organizations that are outside the
membership of the WCC. Increasingly the WCC is seen as working in partnerships
and coalitions with others.
One form of such partnerships is working in partnership with WCC’s own member
churches. Churches are to be challenges to be willing to make the time and expertise
of their staff available to the wider fellowship through partnerships with the WCC; a
smaller staff at WCC needed at sense of being part of a wider network of resources.
Such partnerships increase the ownership of the WCC’s work by the churches
concerned.
Other partnerships mean working with those who have their own agendas and their
own image to promote, that may only partly overlap with that of the WCC. Such
partnerships were still well worthwhile, but WCC could afford to permit others to
speak on its behalf in a way that implies they are speaking for the WCC. Clear
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understandings of the limits of partnership and the conditions under which anyone
may speak for it must be part of any partnership agreement.
C. Education/Communication. The group struggled to articulate what it wanted,
recognizing that it was seeking to give flesh to the constitutional aim of “developing
ecumenical consciousness”. The word “communication” was heard differently by
different people, and could sound as though it was concerned mainly with image and
profile. That was not how the committee understood it. The committee discerned that
there were at least three elements involved:
a) Communication from the WCC, so that the right documents reach the right
people without giving the impression that the WCC is a paper factory.
b) The process within churches of receiving the work of the WCC, and how the
WCC itself could best facilitate that.
c) Ecumenical education of those who lead the churches, so that they think
ecumenically and instinctively work ecumenically - and do not just add a few
ecumenical things on top of their ordinary work and thinking.
All three are questions for the churches as well as for the WCC, but the WCC is the
body that has the greatest stake in ensuring they are handled, so they are necessarily a
major role for the WCC.
D. Advocacy and accompaniment. This role followed from the reality of the
fellowship, where each feels the other’s pain and responds in love. It could take
several forms. Sometimes accompaniment, standing with the other, was the key.
Sometimes speaking out, standing^or the other, was the key. Often advocacy requires
partnerships and coalitions, for we are stronger together. This was another point
where the prophetic nature of the WCC was given expression.
The committee reflected further on the implications of what it was saying. Different
stories were shared about the reception of WCC documents. From some came the news
that they were invaluable for use in theological education. Others responded that
elsewhere they were little used, even more so when not available in the local language.
Concern was expressed as to whether the prophetic role of the WCC was given sufficient
prominence; in a style of work that put precedence on convening and coalition building it
becomes harder to have the prophetic edge that has been a hallmark of WCC work.
Staff were asked how they would respond if given these four as the priority roles they
should play. The initial response was a welcome for greater clarity in roles that would
provide staff with criteria to use as they reshape the programme work for the challenging
period ahead.
The committee was clear that it had discussed so far how work should be done, but the
content of what should be done remained to be considered. In broad terms, the direction of
the programme work was set by the assembly, and the assembly guidelines continued to
steer the themes and issues being tackled. In practical terms, however, that still left
considerable flexibility.
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11.2.3 The implications for programme work
The committee divided into sub-groups to consider the implications of this focus on four
priority roles for each programme area. This was the point at which the committee began
to engage with the content of the programme work. It noted that the term “programme”
actually included activities of quite different kinds. Some work involved supporting
commissions with a long history and a continually evolving agenda. Some involved
limited-term projects. One project area - P5 - involved the work of an educational
institution. Others were run by small staff teams in the ecumenical centre. The shape their
work takes would necessarily differ.
The committee accepted the reports of the sub-groups for passing on to central committee.
The committee did not have time to consider each in detail, so committee members who
were not in the relevant sub-group were not bound by these recommendations.
PI The WCC and the ecumenical movement in the 21st century
The group noted that the convening role, which was often a role that only the WCC
can play, took different forms according to the issues. It included facilitating,
initiating, inviting and providing space.
In forming partnerships, the key was to identify the areas where there were shared
vision and goals on a particular theme, as happened on combating violence. The
WCC could initiate partnerships/coalitions, for instance of women’s organizations.
The WCC’s own commissions were potential partners in developing an expanded
space.
The group gave some time to issues of education and communication. It urged a
strengthening of the work with youth and women’s organizations as an important
element in improving communication. The capacity of members of central committee
to act as communicators and educators needed strengthening, so they could share in
informing and raising awareness among church members. The WCC needed to be
visible if it was to witness to visible unity. Strengthening the Ecumenical Officers’
Network is another way of deepening communication.
On advocacy, the group reminded the central committee of the Lund principle:
“Churches should act together in all matters except those in which deep differences of
conviction compel them to act separately.”
The group struggled with the request to identify priorities, as it felt the way the
system worked gave insufficient background information for fulfilment of the role of
a governing body. It noted, however, that the call for consultation on programme
work, while right and to be affirmed, had to be set alongside the need to review
programmes for stewardship purposes. Consultation did not replace accountability for
governance or management.
P2 Unity, mission, evangelism and spirituality
In the view of the group, there were three criteria for assigning priorities to
programme work:
1st priority: work only the WCC can do (e.g. Faith and Order commission and the
commission on World Mission and Evangelism)
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2nd priority: if the WCC can do it well, i.e. if others are doing it well why would
WCC duplicate it?
3rd priority: all work must be seen through a theological lens.
The group applied these criteria as well as the criteria of the four roles in order to
prioritise the work of P2. While it was clear that partnership was the normal mode for
P2 work, it reached the conclusion that the Faith and Order commission and the
commission on World Mission and Evangelism both ranked high on all criteria and
were the two priorities in this programme area. The present programme structure hid
them from view; they needed to be given a higher profile. The group recommended
that they be made more visible.
P2 staff together with communication were to be responsible for communicating with
member churches, and member churches with their constituency.
P3 Public Witness: addressing power and affirming peace
Aware that the overall criterion concerned calling one another to visible unity, the
group asked first whether this was translated into public witness. This took priority
over any of the four roles.
Applying the four roles, however, led the group to identify priorities as follows:
a) The Middle East focus, including the Palestine-Israel Forum and the EAPPI
programme. This was a good example of convening, partnership and
accompaniment.
b) The International Ecumenical Peace Convocation, which reflected the convening
and partnership roles, together with the follow-up process towards the next
assembly, which brought in education. The Ecumenical Declaration on Just
Peace provided a key opportunity for effective education and communication
also towards the next assembly. The group identified issues to continue to
address: growing violence against women and children and the violence on the
global scale. It also identified the need for deepening the theological reflection on
peace-building and reconciliation.
c) Affirmation of human dignity, which reflected the convening, partnership and
advocacy roles. The focus here on human rights advocacy included the
strengthening of the UN office.
d) Living letters, focused on churches in conflict situations. These person-to-person
encounters provided a strong example of accompaniment, together with an
experience of, and opportunity for, in-depth communication. The group
questioned why there was an extra “living letters” section in P6, and
recommended it be merged with P3.
The group also recommended the development of more liturgical and theological
material for all the above programme activities.
A further question for management to consider: given the interdependence of themes,
should P3 and P4 perhaps be merged?
P4 Justice, diakonia and responsibility for creation
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The “convening” role in this programme area entailed the creation of space for
reflection, analysis and the search for new approaches, processes and strategies, as the
council responded to the current crisis from a faith base - God’s promise of fullness
of life. That meant:
• bridging the diverse gaps
• sharing best practice
• coherence, from listening and sharing values (e.g. justice)
• faith, theology and spirituality.
The group looked at each of the projects in the programme area to see how far they
were fulfilling the four roles of convening; developing partnership; education and
communication; advocacy and accompaniment.
The convening role was strongest in the project on socio and ecological justice in the
context of globalization, which includes poverty wealth and ecological justice.
Climate change was included here. The programme had the potential for developing
partnerships; education and communication; advocacy and accompaniment.
The ACT Alliance undertakes work once generated within the WCC, and the WCC
makes a strong contribution to its work. Such work requires both collaboration and
theological foundation.
Among the projects in this programme area, partnership featured most strongly in
Diakonia for Transformative Justice, with its regional emphasis, the Ecumenical
Water Network and work on HIV/AIDS. The latter was also a key example of
advocacy and accompaniment with a significant educational dimension.
There was a new educational role in the expanded remit of the Ecumenical Solidarity
Fund.
P5 Education and ecumenical formation
There were now three principal activities in P5, based at Bossey: the Ecumenical
Institute, the lay formation work and Ecumenical Theological Education (ETE). The
general secretary intimated in his report his intention to move ETE into another
programme area.
The group measured each against the four roles identified by the committee, and
concluded that each matched all four, so these three activities should remain
priorities. In saying that, however, the group:
a) Affirmed that a new way of working was needed for ETE that would strengthen
and develop networking in the regions.
b) Agreed that it was wise, because of their distinct histories and identities, to
separate ETE from Bossey, but urged that the two would need to continue to
work closely together, particularly in their relationship with the regions.
c) Affirmed that lay formation should remain integrated with the work at Bossey.
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d) Wished to see separate advisory groups established for ETE and for the work
remaining focused at Bossey, recognizing that this entailed some variation in the
remit of the commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation.
The group raised the tentative question whether, given that scholarship funds were
running out, Bossey should now become financially autonomous and set free to raise
its own funds.
P6 Inter-religious dialogue and communication
The group understood convening (including co-convening) as part of the core
function of this programme area. So was the building of partnerships with ecumenical
partners and churches who undertake inter-religious dialogue. Inter-religious
formation was highly necessary, and needed to be a component in programmes of
theological education. Similarly there was a need for reflection and analysis in
conjunction with education, formation and communication. In consequence, inter¬
religious dialogue and cooperation remained a significant priority for the WCC.
The group recommended that the staff of different programmes, e.g. P3, P4 and P6,
should work together so that advocacy and relationship go hand-in-hand.
In the group’s view the priorities in this programme area were:
a) Accompanying churches in situations of inter-religious conflict. Within this
programme area, the term “accompaniment” needed careful consideration. The
WCC and the fellowship needed to be equipped to do such accompanying. That
was part of the task of P6.
b) Inter-religious dialogue.
c) Intra-Christian dialogue on Christian self-understanding, of the kind that equiped
Christians to engage with people of other religions.
11.2.4 Comments of the committee on the sub-group reports
The committee heard a strong plea for scholarships for those who would teach in
theological seminaries. Students from the global South cannot get visas to study in Europe
or North America. WCC scholarships funded by government funds now have to rule out
theological education. Northern institutions that once offered free places can afford to
offer them no longer. This was a management issue, though it was also helpful to have it
drawn to central committee’s attention.
The committee received a comment from the public issues committee: “in general we are
aware that there is a wide spread lack of knowledge about major programme areas. We
hope that the programme committee can give attention to this, perhaps by adopting the
communication methods of the youth, ‘Echos’, who send out regular e-mails to all central
committee members updating them on their work.” Given the emphasis on
communication that the committee had itself made, it affirmed the need for new, low-cost
ways to communicate the programme activities, and asked staff to talk with Echos to learn
from their experience.
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11.2.5 Recommendations from consultative bodies
The committee did not have time to process the recommendations from the consultative
bodies that were included in the report of the core group.
11.2.6 Reflection on the committee’s process
This was the first time that the programme committee’s work had been prepared by the
core group. The reports it received from the previous three meetings of the core group also
reflected the operation of a new structure. The committee appreciated the preparatory
report prepared by the core group, though was concerned that it went to central committee
before the programme committee could respond to it. It was also important that the views
it expressed should be thoroughly discussed.
The committee felt its work had improved through the core group’s work, but there was
still room for further improvement. Either a new way of working needed to be found that
enabled the committee to fulfil its function or else the structure needed to be changed. The
committee agreed:
• That it would like to see the core group continue;
• That the core group would solicit from programme committee members proposals for
improving the process;
• That the core group would seek to find a way to prepare its preliminary report earlier,
if possible a month before central committee meets;
• That the preliminary report should be a draft of a possible final report, so that the
programme committee could spend its time discussing it.
11.3 Actions arising from the report of the programme committee
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a decision session and
invited Ms Lois McCullough Dauway, moderator of the programme committee, to present
the committee’s recommendations.
The central committee approved by consensus:
• to affirm the four key roles for the programme work outlined in the report, and to ask
the general secretary and senior staff to use these as criteria in fulfilling the
programme work.
• to acknowledge the unsustainability of the present programme plans, and ask the
general secretary and senior management to continue, in consultation with the core
group of the programme committee, their work of reorganizing and restructuring the
programme work in a way that pursues the objectives set by the assembly while
making it sustainable in terms both of finance and staff capacity.
• to recall the criteria adopted at the last assembly, and affirm that these should be used
as core criteria in any restructuring. These are:
a) to keep the focus on what the WCC uniquely might do as a global fellowship of
churches in providing leadership to the whole of the ecumenical movement;
b) to do less, to do it well, in an integrated, collaborative and interactive approach;
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c) to lift up its central task of the churches calling one another to visible unity;
d) to keep in tension the work of dialogue and advocacy, of building relationships
and promoting social witness among churches and with different sectors in
society;
e) to foster greater ownership and participation by the churches;
f) to bring a prophetic voice and witness to the world in addressing the urgent and
turbulent issues of our times in a focused way;
g) to communicate WCC activities to the churches and the world in a timely and
imaginative way.
• to take note of the affirmations and recommendations on the specific programme
areas.
• to affirm the continuing mandate of the programme committee core group, and
authorize the executive committee to appoint, from among members of the
programme committee, to vacancies when they occur.
• to instruct that that the work of the core group be subject to the review, discussion
and approval of the programme committee before coming to central committee.
1 2 Permanent committee on consensus and collaboration
12.1 Report of the permanent committee
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a hearing session.
Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi and Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins presented the report of the
permanent committee on consensus and collaboration, noting that the meeting was held
over a year ago, that the executive committee had already received and acted upon this
report, and that several of the recommendations had already been accomplished. After
discussion, the central committee received the report and forwarded it to the policy
reference committee for consideration.
12.2 Actions arising from the report of the permanent committee
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session. Upon
recommendation of the policy reference committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to affirm the work of the permanent committee on consensus and collaboration;
• to note that the recommendations of the permanent committee included in its report of
4 to 8 July 2008 had largely been implemented, including reflections on the expanded
assembly, issues related to the mid-term evaluation, improved intentional attention to
consensus process issues, including training by qualified resource persons, and
continuing close collaboration with the Faith and Order commission on matters of
common interest.
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1 3 Report from the presidents
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session. He noted that the work which was
entrusted to the presidents at the last central committee was completed. The charge from
the central committee to the presidents was as follows:
to request the presidents, in consultation with the officers, to initiate a thorough
evaluation of all the issues related to the process concerning the possible extension of
the term of the general secretary. Such an evaluation would seek to increase
confidence, transparency and trust, to identify gaps in the council ’s internal
processes and procedures, and to bring about truth, reconciliation and healing within
the fellowship of the World Council of Churches. The report of this evaluation will be
given to the executive committee in September 2008 and will be communicated to all
central committee members.
The presidents submitted their report to the September 2008 meeting of the executive
committee, and the complete report is printed as Appendix III in those minutes. The report
was immediately communicated to all members of the central committee.
The central committee expressed its deep appreciation of the diligent work of the
presidents in carrying out the task assigned to them, and asked that the report also be
appended to the minutes of this session (see Appendix VI).
14 Ecumenism in the 21st century
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Hendriks-Ririmasse moderated a decision session. It was noted
that no hearing session had been held on the interim report of the continuation committee
on ecumenism in the 21st century. The report was considered by the policy reference
committee. Upon recommendation of that committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to forward the interim report of the continuation committee on ecumenism in the 21st
century to member churches and ecumenical partners with an invitation to share their
comments to the report and suggestions for further work of the committee with the
WCC secretariat by the end of August of 2010.
1 5 Working group on governance
15.1 Report of the governance group
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a hearing session and invited Ms Arja Birgitta
Rantakari to present the report of the working group on governance, accountability and
staff policy. Ms Rantakari noted that the governance group had undertaken its work with a
profound commitment to a strong World Council of Churches and global ecumenical
movement. She then invited Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul and Dr David Robin Goodbourn to
assist her in presenting the report. The narrative portion of the report is printed as
Appendix VII to these minutes.
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In discussion, members of the central committee deeply appreciated the profound
contribution this report makes to the development of the Common Understanding and
Vision (CUV) in the life of the council. Specific comments included:
• the desire for further elaboration of the conciliarity of the council
• a concern that the emphasis on small skilled groups could undermine the commitment
to balance and participation
• a concern that the idea of rotational committee membership could result in a loss of
continuity and institutional memory
• a desire to be given information on the cost of governance as a percentage of the
council’s operating budget
• to appeal to better integrate income development into governance functions
• the desire to address the persistent confusion around the role of advisory bodies
• a strong concern that the underlying assumptions of the report represent a
specifically-northern style of management
• a concern that power continues to be concentrated in the executive committee, and
that within this central committee there can sometimes be a dynamic of distrust
between these two levels of governance
• a wish to see the work of the assembly’s programme guidelines committee better
reflected in the report
• a desire for the governance group to address the confusion around the ex-officio status
of the general secretary among the officers, such that the general secretary seems to
exercise governance, as well as management, functions
• a concern for the ambiguous role of the presidents
• a desire for engagement of the churches with this report
• tremendous appreciation for the helpful distinction between governance and
management
The moderator invited the central committee to refer the report of the governance group to
the nominations committee. Dr Audeh B. Quawas raised a point of order, stating that the
consideration of these matters falls outside the mandate of the nominations committee as
defined in the Rules. The moderator ruled that the point of order was correct, commenting
that this indicates how much work is needed to clarify governance structures. He noted
that it has been the long-standing practice of the council to make use of the nominations
committee for consideration of matters such as these. After discussion, a course of action
was accepted whereby the moderator, the general secretary and the moderator of the
nominations committee would appoint an ad hoc committee for consideration of the
governance group’s report, to report to the nominations committee.
15.2 Actions arising from the report of the governance group
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a decision session. Justice
Sophia O.A. Adinyira presented the recommendations of the nominations committee
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regarding the report of the working group on governance, accountability and staff policy.
She noted that, as directed by the central committee at its previous session, an ad hoc
group had prepared the nomination committee’s discussion.
After extended discussion and revision of the recommendations, the central committee
approved by consensus:
• to receive the report of the working group on governance, accountability and staff
policy and warmly thank the members of the working group for the work undertaken.
• to encourage the governance review continuation group to continue to work in the
spirit of the CUV where the WCC as an organization, as a fellowship of churches and
an instrument for strengthening the ecumenical movement and its institutional profile
(CUV 3.13).
Immediate actions
• to receive the revised remit for the audit committee as described in GEN 10, Annex 4
Rev and instruct the general secretary to engage in a consultation process with the
present audit committee and in conjunction with the governance review continuation
group to finalize the remit with a report for approval and nomination of the audit
committee at the executive committee in February 2010. The final remit shall include
the following:
a) The central committee shall appoint the audit committee
b) The audit committee shall report directly to the executive committee and
distribute the reports to the central committee
c) The audit committee shall be composed of four to six members of whom two or
three shall be members of the executive committee who are not also members of
the finance, personnel or other committees or core groups and two or three
external members who are experts in these areas.
• to delegate to the next executive committee the appointment of the audit committee.
• to create a personnel committee with the remit described in Appendix VIII of these
minutes.
• to delegate, on this occasion, to the executive committee the appointment of the
personnel committee at its next meeting in 2010.
• to require the new general secretary to provide an early report to the executive
committee on how the Geneva-based operation will be managed effectively.
• to encourage the members and staff to reflect further on how to design meetings
(including agenda and structure), communication and information sharing for the
coherence of the work of the WCC and the whole ecumenical movement.
• to encourage the improvement of integrated planning (holding together programmes,
human resources and financial planning).
Middle and longer term actions
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• to acknowledge the opportunities highlighted by the working group on governance,
accountability and staff policy for the future shape of governance structures.
• to agree that the working group on governance, accountability and staff policy
continues its work until the executive committee meets in February 2010 and
appoints a governance review continuation group. The continuation group shall
include some of the members of the working group and also include wider
representation from the central committee. In addition, the nominations committee
recommends the following provisions:
a) To consult with the churches concerning the future shape of governance
structures, and the partners concerning programme, as discussed in paragraphs
8.1 to 8.9 of GEN 10.
b) To further elaborate on the roles of the presidents and officers (moderator, vice¬
moderators and general secretary).
c) To consider the best use of available financial resources and intensify efforts in
income generation.
d) To review the constitution and rules:
i) through the work of the governance review continuation group;
ii) at the next central committee meeting in 201 1 a policy reference committee
shall be entrusted with the constitutional review;
iii) the central committee in 201 1 will appoint a constitutional committee which
will report to the central committee meeting in 2012.
• to evaluate the roles, functions and mandates of the committees, commissions,
advisory groups and reference groups so as to ensure greater integration and
collaboration.
• to bring recommendations for appropriate action to an early meeting of the executive
committee.
16 Nominations
16.1 First presentation of nominations
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia presented proposed changes to membership of governing bodies
and consultative groups. The central committee received the document and referred it to
the nominations committee for consideration.
The general secretary then presented the proposed changes to the by-laws of several
commissions. It was noted that, as with the consideration of the governance group report,
the consideration of these by-laws does not fall within the mandate of the nominations
committee. It has, however, been the practice of the central committee to use the
nominations committee for addressing of matters of this type. The committee therefore
agreed to forward the proposals to the nominations committee.
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16.2 Report of the nominations committee
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima moderated a decisions session. Rev. Dr
Paul Gardner reported on behalf of the moderator of the nominations committee, Bishop
Samuel Robert Azariah, who had to leave the meeting early.
16.3 Naming the “youth body”
Dr Audeh B. Quawas presented the recommendation of the nominations committee that
the “youth body” established by the central committee after the 9th assembly be named by
the central committee “Echos - commission on youth in the ecumenical movement”. The
recommendation was approved by consensus.
16.4 Bylaws for the CWME, CCIA, EEF and Echos
Dr Audeh B. Quawas presented the recommendations of the nominations committee
regarding new or revised by-laws for the commission on world mission and evangelism,
the commission of the churches on international affairs, the commission on education and
ecumenical formation, and Echos - commission on youth in the ecumenical movement.
After discussion and refinement of the recommendations, the four sets of by-laws (as
printed in Appendices IX-XII) were approved by consensus.
16.5 The membership of governing and consultative bodies
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner presented the recommendations of the nominations committee
regarding membership of governing and consultative bodies. After extended discussion
regarding the assembly planning committee, the central committee approved by
consensus:
• to adopt the following changes in the membership of the central committee:
Rev. Bao Jiayan, associate general secretary of the China Christian Council, to
replace Ms Chen Meilin
Dr Agedew Redie, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, to replace Dr Nigussu
Legesse
Rev. Kjetil Aano, vice-moderator of the Church of Norway Council on
Ecumenical and International Relations, to replace Rev. Ingrid Van Nilsen
Rev. Dr Idosa Wakseyoum Negeri, president of Ethiopian Evangelical Church
Mekane Yesus, to replace Dr Iteffa Gobena Molte
• to adopt the following change in the membership of the permanent committee:
Dr Agedew Redie, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, to replace Dr Nigussu
Legesse.
• to establish an assembly planning committee consisting of 16 (sixteen) members of
the WCC central committee, and 8 (eight) representatives of ecumenical
organizations. In addition to that, the moderator of the local planning committee
hosting the 10th assembly shall be ex officio to the assembly planning committee, plus
the Echos moderator and one appointed by ED AN.
• to adopt the following names for the assembly planning committee:
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Rev. Dr Moiseraele Prince Dibeela, United Congregational Church of Southern
Africa
Mr Itayi Ndunzo, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe
Ms Hae-Sun Jung, Korean Methodist Church
Ms Alison Jane Preston, Anglican Church of Australia (former ADC member)
Rev. Heike Bosien, Evangelical Church in Germany, Wurtemberg (former ADC
member)
Rev. Aaro Rytkonen, Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner, Moravian Church in Jamaica (former ADC member)
Dr Evelyn Parker, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Sanele Lavatai, Methodist Church of Samoa
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima, Ecumenical Patriarchate
(former ADC member)
Ms Outi Vasko, Orthodox Church of Finland/Syndesmos - World Fellowship of
Orthodox Youth (former ADC member)
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. DrNifon of Targoviste, Romanian Orthodox Church
Mrs Margarita Nelyubova, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Dr Audeh B. Quawas, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta Roham, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate
of Antioch and All the East
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin)
• to instruct the general secretary to invite partner ecumenical organizations to
nominate representatives to the membership of the assembly planning committee (1
CWCs, 1 REOs, 2 Specialized Ministries, 1 NCC, 1 IEO, 1 RCC, and 1 Pentecostal)
• to adopt the following appointments in the Echos commission:
Ms Diana Fernandes dos Santos as moderator of Echos
Ms Iyabo Oyekola as vice-moderator of Echos
• to adopt the following changes in the world membership of the Echos commission:
Ms Irena D’Aloisio (Syndesmos Fellowship of Orthodox Youth) to replace Mr
Ionut Tudorie (Romanian Orthodox Church)
Ms Sepiuta Camellia Hala’api’api (Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand
& Polynesia, Fiji) to replace Ms Tasmania Afereti (Methodist, Samoa)
Dr Ho Yan Au (Pui Ching Road Baptist Church, Hong Kong) to replace Mr
Keelan Downton (Pentecostal, USA)
Mr Victor Liza Jaramillo (Iglesia Metodista, Peru) to replace Mr Davis Cela
Heffel (Lutheran, Argentina)
Mr E. Timotheus Kamaboakai (YMCA, Liberia) to replace Ms Sophia Gergis
(YMCA, Egypt)
• to mandate the executive committee (in consultation with member churches in the
Middle East and the Echos commission) to replace Ms Monica Coll (Presbyterian,
Cuba) by a youth from the Middle East.
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• to appoint Fr Vineeth Koshy (Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church) to the
continuation committee on ecumenism in the 21st century.
• to include in the WCC delegation to the Edinburgh centennial the following names:
Ms Anastasia Vassiliadou, Greece, Ms Clara Minoo Muthuka, Kenya, Ms Megan
O’Callaghan, New Zealand, Ms Nayiri Baljian, Armenian Apostolic Church, USA
(current young members of CWME ) as well as Mr Jec Borlado, Philippines (Echos)
and Ms Adele Djomo Ngomedje, Cameroon/UK, former intern with CWME (current
members of the Edinburgh 2010 youth reference committee).
• to adopt that in the event of a vacancy, the churches submitting changes in the
membership of governing and consultative bodies include a rationale when balances
are not met.
In response to a question, it was clarified that the “ex officio ” members of the assembly
planning committee have the same status and rights of participation as the other members
of the committee.
Following a proposal from the floor that the central committee elect the moderator of the
assembly planning committee, but that this matter had not been prepared for action at this
time, the central committee approved by consensus:
• to delegate to the executive committee the appointment of the moderator of the
assembly planning committee.
H.E. Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem,
wished to be minuted as opposed to the inclusion of Pentecostals in the assembly planning
committee.
16.6 Proposal from the women presidents
Dame Dr Mary Tanner spoke on behalf of herself, Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega Suarez, and Rev.
Dr Bernice Powell Jackson, the three women presidents. She stated:
“The three women presidents wish to express publicly and to place on record our
great disappointment at the situation in which the WCC will find itself at the end of
2009, with not a single woman in senior staff leadership. This concern, we know, is
not ours alone and has been shared with us by many sisters and brothers on this
central committee. Moreover, as of January 1, it is our understanding that there will
be only men of European descent in the most senior level of staff leadership of the
WCC.
“Moderator, as long ago as 1981 I took the recommendations from the Sheffield
Consultation on The Community of Women and Men in the Church Study to the
central committee in Dresden. I did so with great trepidation. However, that central
committee committed itself to ‘work towards’ 50% participation of women and men
in the different aspects of the life and work of the WCC. Now, a generation later and
nearly a decade into the 2 1st century, we presidents need to express our sadness that
the WCC seems to have moved away from that prophetic and hard won
commitment.”
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Dr Tanner then proposed wording for a specific recommendation voicing the central
committee’s concern about the lack of balances in staff leadership. With deep appreciation
for the intervention of the three women presidents, and strong unanimity on the urgency
of the concerns they raised, the central committee approved by consensus:
• that those responsible for staff appointments give due attention to regional,
confessional and gender balances among the staff and in particular to the commitment
of the central committee to the presence of women in all levels of staff leadership
groups.
16.7 Proposal from the Pacific churches
President John Doom, speaking on behalf of the Pacific member churches, proposed:
“that the central committee designate Rev Dr Samuel Kobia as World Council of
Churches Honorary Ambassador for Human Rights and World Peace.”
Mr Doom stated that this proposal grew out of a desire to continue to draw upon the vast
experience and public credibility of Dr Kobia for the benefit of the churches and their
witness in the world.
Central committee members deeply appreciated the sentiment of the proposal and its
affirmation of Dr Kobia’s leadership in areas of public witness. Additionally, the
committee felt that the proposal raised important questions about the manner in which the
ecumenical movement honors and draws upon the wisdom and experience of its “elders.”
It was noted that the new general secretary will be the public spokesperson for the council,
and that there could be some confusion between this proposed “honorary ambassadorship”
and the normal role of the general secretary. Mr Doom’s proposal was therefore amended
to add:
“that the moderator and incoming general secretary develop a brief memorandum
relating to the role of a ‘WCC Honorary Ambassador for Human Rights and World
Peace.’”
After discussion of both the procedural and substantive aspects of the proposal, the central
committee approved by consensus
• that the above proposals be referred to the governance committee, with their
consideration to include how we honour our past leaders, with decisions to be taken
by the executive committee in February 2010.
17 Staffing
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann moderated a closed hearing session and invited Rev. Dr Samuel
Kobia to present the report on staffing matters.
17.1 Appointments
Dr Kobia introduced the written report and stated that it was for information only; no
matters were presented for central committee approval at this time.
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul raised a point of order, stating that under Rule XI 1. 3. a, the
central committee is the body to appoint programme directors, and that therefore this body
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must act on the appointments of the Programme Director for Public Witness and Director
of CCIA and the Programme Director for Justice, Diakonia and Responsibility for
Creation.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia responded that it was his understanding that the Rules are
referring, in this case, to the newly renamed positions of Associate General Secretary for
Management and Associate General Secretary for Programme, and not to all positions
which bear the title “programme director.”
Dr Soritua Albert Ernst Nababan raised a point of order that the general secretary be
allowed to finish his report before the moderator makes a ruling on Ms Glynn-Mackoul’s
point of order.
The moderator concurred with this suggestion, and invited the general secretary to
continue.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia continued by stating that, at the February 2009 meeting of the
executive committee, the finance committee narrative report suggested that “as a general
rule, new recruitments should not be planned systematically to replace staff leaving in
2009 and 2010.” (Feb 2009 8.2.10) In response to this suggestion, the executive
committee approved that “exceptional recruitments for 2010 be made without unfavorable
impact” to the budget.
The general secretary reported that he had interpreted this decision as an instruction not to
recruit from outside the existing staff, and had therefore found himself highly constrained
in his ability to adequately staff the programmatic work of the council. He noted that, in
this situation in which he could only look to internal transfers, he deeply regretted that it
had been impossible to maintain a balance of gender in the senior levels of leadership.
The moderator then returned to the point of order raised by Ms Glynn-Mackoul. He stated
that the officers, in making interim appointments, and the executive committee, ratifying
those appointments, had acted upon the understanding that these positions fell under Rule
X11.3.b. He noted that the proposed revisions to Rule X11.3 make this point clear, but that
all of the revisions of the Rules were held over without approval at the last meeting of the
central committee. He therefore ruled against the point of order.
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul stated that she would challenge the ruling of the moderator on
her point of order, based on the premise that the Rules stand as they are until there is a
decision to change them, and that this particular rule can only be changed by action of the
assembly.
Without debate, the moderator put the question to the central committee whether the
committee concurred with the ruling of the moderator. The central committee was evenly
divided on the matter. The moderator then called for debate.
Several members expressed their disappointment that the executive committee took a
decision on these appointments just days before the meeting of the central committee,
when there was clearly no pressure of time requiring that the executive act on behalf of
the central committee. It was also noted that repeated restructuring and re-titling of staff
positions had made it more difficult to interpret the Rules. It was felt that, regardless of
future intentions to amend the Rules, the currently standing Rules must be scrupulously
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followed, as a matter of principal. One of the presidents stated that he felt that the policy
implications of an all-male leadership were too significant to be justified by resort to a
procedural or financial rationale.
Rev. Dr Fernando Enns proposed that the central committee move to a decision session,
and act to ratify the two appointments in question. The central committee approved by
consensus to move to a closed decision session.
It was noted that this situation pointed yet again to the confusion on the role and authority
of the executive committee, as had been clearly named in the report of the governance
group. The moderator therefore proposed that the procedural aspects of this situation be
referred to the continuation committee of the governance group, for consideration and
recommendation.
Discussion continued on the proposal of Dr Enns, that the central committee ratify the
action of the executive committee. In response to a question, it was clarified that the
executive committee intended, in its action, to make proper appointments, and not only to
continue the interim status of the appointments.
The general secretary was asked to give information on the overall balances of the staff
leadership. He stated that the staff executive group is comprised of 17 people, 2 of whom
are women, and 2 of whom are from the global south. The staff leadership group is
comprised of 7 people, only one of whom is a woman; 3 are from the global south, but all
these 3 will be leaving the council by the end of 2009. The general secretary stated his
deep embarrassment that he was prevented from leaving the staffing situation in a better
balance, and noted that his successor will find it an extremely difficult situation to redress.
Several members pleaded that the balances within the council are a matter of justice and
of theological importance, and ought not to be driven by financial concerns. It was noted
that the staff leadership is also imbalanced in terms of confession. Many members felt that
the “freeze on external hiring” was a deeply unfortunate decision. It was hoped that there
could be greater clarity on the accountability of the executive committee to exercise its
role within the policy mandates of the central committee.
The central committee then approved by consensus:
• to take the view that the executive committee recommends the appointments of Dr
Mathews George as Programme Director for Public Witness and Director of CCIA,
and of Dr Rogate Mshana as Programme Director for Justice, Diakonia and
Responsibility for Creation, to be ratified by the central committee.
• to ratify the two appointments of Programme Director for Public Witness and
Director of CCIA, and Programme Director for Justice, Diakonia and Responsibility
for Creation.
• to request the continuation committee on governance work with the personnel
committee to review the rules on appointment of staff.
• to request the executive committee reconsider its decision to mandate only internal
staff transfers.
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Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul wished to be minuted as objecting to the action as “ratification”
when she felt that the Rules clearly called for an “election.” Ms Carmencita Karagdag
wished her dissent to be minuted.
The central committee further requested that the staffing report regularly contain an
analysis of balances and a complete list of the staff of the council.
The central committee then received the remainder of the staffing report, as printed here,
with appreciation.
17.2 Contract Extensions
The executive committee approved the following for contract extensions:
• Rev. Deborah DeWINTER, whose contract ends on 3 1 August 2010. An extension of
this contract will render it indefinite starting 1 September 2010.
• Father Gervasis KARUMATHY, whose contract ends on 3 1 December 2010, a
second three-year extension from 1 January 201 1 to 31 December 2013. The
seconding body, the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU) has
been consulted and fully supports the extension.
• Rev. Dr Odair MATEUS, whose contract ends on 3 1 December 2010, a second three-
year extension from 1 January' 201 1 to 31 December 2013.
17.3 Vacancies
There are no new vacancies to be opened at this time.
17.4 Update on staffing since last central committee, February 2008
The executive committee, at their meeting in Geneva, 11-12 February 2008 authorized the
opening of a vacancy for the position of Programme Executive: Economic Justice:
• Ms Athena PERALTA has been invited to continue her services as Consultant on
Poverty, Wealth and Ecology: Impact of economic Globalization, until 31 December
2009. She is located in Manila, The Philippines.
The following staff members have assumed their responsibilities:
• Rev. Dr John GIBAUT (Anglican Church of Canada), Director of Faith and Order,
started work on 1 January 2008.
• Rev. Dr Daniel BUDA (Romanian Orthodox Church), Programme Executive for
Church and Ecumenical Relations, started work on 1 January 2009.
• Dr Nigussu LEGESSE (Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church), Programme
Executive for Regional Relations, started work on 1 May 2009.
• Rev. Dr Hielke WOLTERS (Protestant Church in the Netherlands), IMD Director as
of 1 July 2009 (transfer).
The following staff, interns, and consultants have been appointed under the authority of
the general secretary:
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• Mr Carlos SINTADO Consultant for Scholarships Project, started work on 1 April
2008.
• Mr Daniel RICHARDS (Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem), EAPPI Local
Programme Coordinator in Jerusalem, started work on 4 July 2008.
• Mrs Kelly BROWNLEE (United Methodist Church), USA, Development Officer
Foundations, started work on 7 July 2008.
• Ms Nan BRAUNSCHWEIGER (Church of Scotland), as IEPC Coordinator, effective
1 September 2008.
• Mr Gorden SIMANGO (United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe), Programme
Coordinator, ACT Development, started work on 20 November 2008.
• Ms Maria Cazilda CHAVEZ QUISPE (Methodist Church in Bolivia), Bolivia,
Indigenous Peoples Consultant, started work on 1 December 2008.
• Mr Lawrence Michael John BAXTER-BROWN (Church of England), Consultant for
Evangelism, started work on 15 January 2009.
• Mr Packiaraj ASIRVATHAM (Church of South India), Youth Intern, started work on
1 February 2009.
• Ms Emma Louise HALGREN (Uniting Church in Australia), Youth Intern, started
work on 1 February 2009.
• Mr James MACH ARIA (Presbyterian Church in Kenya), Youth Intern, started work
on 1 February 2009.
• Ms Aikaterini PEKRIDOU (Church of Greece), Youth Intern, started work on 1
February 2009.
• Mr Mark TAYLOR (United Reformed Church), Youth Intern, started work on I
February 2009.
• Mr Calle ALMEDAL (Roman Catholic), Consultant for “HIV Competent Church”,
started work on 16 April 2009.
• Mr Manuel QUINTERO (Reformed-Presbyterian Church of Cuba), International
Coordinator for EAPPI, started work on 1 August 2009.
• Mr Nader MUADDI (Greek Orthodox, Patriarchate of Jerusalem), EAPPI Advocacy
Officer in Jerusalem, hired through ICC, started work on 3 August 2009.
• Rev. Sang Youn LEE (The Korean Methodist Church), Income Development
Consultant, will start work on 1 September 2009.
• Mr Lambert Chitranjan Devadasen SOLOMON (Church of South India),
Communication Officer for the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum, will start work on
1 September 2009.
The following administrative, specialized and house staff has been appointed under the
authority of the general secretary:
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• Mr Jonathan REAMONN, Administrative Assistant, Communication, started work on
1 February 2008.
• Ms Christine DELEVAUX, Receptionist, Ecumenical Institute Bossey, started work
on 1 March 2008.
• Mr John ASEIER, Office Administrator & Programme Assistant, US Office, started
work on 24 March 2008.
• Ms Maria Cristina RENDON, Project Assistant PI, started work on 19 May 2008.
• Mr Jean-Michel PARIS, French Translator, started work on 1 June 2008.
• Ms Muriel Victoria BATACLAN, Programme and Fundraising Assistant, started
work on 1 1 June 2008.
• Mr Raphael MATTHEY, Assistant Library Cataloguer, started work on 01 September
2008.
• Ms Anaelle RACORDON, stagiaire in the WCC Library, started on 1 September
2008.
• Ms Elizabeth LEE, Project Assistant to the UN office in New York, started work on 2
September 2008.
• Mrs Betty Edith BRAUN, Receptionist, Ecumenical Institute Bossey, started work on
1 October 2008.
• Ms Lalaine REYES, Project Accountant, started work on 1 November 2008.
• Mr Gorden SIMANGO, Programme Coordinator - ACT Development, started work
on 20 November 2008.
• Mr Julien SIMON, Assistant Archivist, started work on 1 December 2008.
• Mr Samir RAHMANI, Dishwasher - Ecumenical Institute Bossey, started work on 1
January 2009.
• Ms Andrea TALANCHA ROSAS, Housekeeper - Ecumenical Institute Bossey,
started work on 1 January 2009.
• Ms Najat EL-AMIRI DRABI, Housekeeper - Ecumenical Institute Bossey, started
work on 9 February 2009.
• Mr Jean-Nicolas BAZIN (Reformed Church of France), Coordinator for Finance,
Services and Administration (FS&A) and IT Manager from 1 April 2009. Mr. Bazin
has been interim coordinator of FS&A since March 2008.
• Ms Greta HOVDA, Project Assistant for the Project on Human Rights, started work
on 3 June 2009.
• Ms Marcia BAUER-KAPANC1, English Teacher - Ecumenical Institute Bossey,
started work on 15 June 2009.
• Ms Celine GENOUD DIAKOFF, Receptionist - Ecumenical Institute Bossey, started
work on 1 July 2009.
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17.5 Departures
The following staff left the services of the council since February 2008:
• Rev. Dr Kersten STORCH, programme executive in Unity, Mission, Evangelism and
Spirituality, on 29 February 2008.
• Mr Feiloakitau TEVI, Executive Secretary for the Diakonia and Solidarity Team,
WCC office in the Pacific, on 29 February 2008.
• Mr Nelson ARIOLE, Dishwasher at the Ecumenical Institute, on 29 February 2008.
• Ms Denise Von-ARX, Project Assistant - Migration and Social Justice, on 30 April
2008.
• Mr Michiel HARDON, Programme Executive, Economic Justice, on 1 May 2008.
• Ms Jennifer ROSKE, Project Assistant, Decade to Overcome Violence, on 1 May
2008.
• Ms Denyse LEGER, Coordinating Librarian, on 3 1 May 2008.
• Rev. Dr Geiko MULLER-FAHRENHOLZ, Consultant/IEPC, on 30 June 2008.
• Rev. Dr Hans UCKO, Programme Executive in the Inter-religious Dialogue and
Cooperation programme, on 30 June 2008.
• Ms Sarnia OURAIED, Administrative Assistant in the programme, Unity, Mission,
Evangelism and Spirituality, on 31 July 2008.
• Ms Valentina MAGGIULLI, Local Programme Coordinator for EAPPI Jerusalem, on
31 August 2008.
• Rev. Matti PEIPONEN, Programme Executive in Justice, Peace and Creation, on 31
August 2008.
• Mr Julien SIMON, Library Assistant, on 3 1 August 2008.
• Mr Simon OXLEY, Programme Executive, on 30 November 2008.
• Ms Anna EISENHOFFER, Project Assistant in Health and Healing, on 1 December
2008.
• Ms Jacinta Mwikali MAINGI, Regional Ecumenical Consultant on HIV/AIDS,
Kenya, on 3 1 December 2008.
• Mr Ian ALEXANDER, EAPPI Coordinator, on 3 1 December 2008.
• Rev. Dr Andre KARAMAGA, Programme Executive for Justice, Diakonia and
Responsibility for Creation, on 3 1 December 2008.
• Ms Ursula ZIERL, Administrative Assistant, General Secretariat, on 3 1 December
2008.
• Mrs Maria VACCARO, “Aide de maison”, Ecumenical Institute, on 3 1 December
2008.
• Ms Tania ZARRAGA, Project Assistant in the programme, Justice, Peace and
Creation, on 31 December 2008.
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• Ms Estelle CLERC, Coordinator of Academic Affairs and Human Resources Officer
at the Ecumenical Institute Bossey, on 3 1 December 2008.
• Rev. Fr Kwame LABI, Urban Rural Mission (URM) Consultant, on 3 1 January 2009.
• Mr Henrik HANSSON, Youth Intern, on 3 1 January 2009.
• Ms Hotavia PORTER, Youth Intern, on 31 January 2009.
• Mr Carlos SINTADO, Consultant for Scholarships Project, on 3 1 March 2009.
• Ms Marie THEVOZ, Receptionist - Ecumenical Institute Bossey, on 3 1 March 2009.
• Ms Marta PALMA, Advisor to the WCC General Secretary on Children’s Issues, on
3 1 March 2009.
• Mr Jean-Christian VILLAT, CIS Manager, on 3 1 May 2009.
• Ms Anaelle RACORDON, stagiaire in the WCC Library, on 31 May 2009.
• Ms Natalie MAXSON, Programme Executive for Youth, on 3 1 July 2009.
• Mr Antsa RAKOTOARISOA, Youth Intern, on 3 1 July 2009.
• Ms Johanna NICOLE-STRANDELL, Project Accountant WCC, on 3 1 July 2009.
• Ms Brigitte SCHNEIDER, Project Assistant - Scholarships, on 3 1 July 2009.
The following staff will leave the services of the Council in 2009:
• Ms Matilda SVENSSON, EAPPI Communication and Advocacy Officer in
Jerusalem, on 3 1 August 2009.
• Ms Cristina DE VAJAY, Publications Assistant - Communication, on 3 1 August
2009.
• Mr Jonathan REAMONN, Administrative Assistant - Communication, on 4
September 2009.
• Ms Marcia BAUER-KAPANCI, English Teacher - Ecumenical Institute Bossey, on
1 1 September 2009.
• Dr Aruna GNANADASON (Church of South India) Executive Director for Planning
and Integration, on 30 September 2009.
• Rev. Elenora Giddings IVORY (Presbyterian Church, USA), Programme Director for
Public Witness and Director of CCIA, on 30 September 2009.
• Ms Simone ERGAS, Administrative Assistant in the General Secretariat, on 30
September 2009.
• Mr Daniel RICHARDS (Greek Orthodox, Patriarchate of Jerusalem), EAPPI Local
Programme Coordinator in Jerusalem, on 5 October 2009.
• Mr John ASHER, Office Administrator & Programme Assistant, US Office, on 3 1
October 2009.
• Ms Luzia WEHRLE, Programme Assistant, on 3 1 October 2009.
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• Dr William TEMU (Roman Catholic), Associate General Secretary for Programme,
on 3 1 December 2009.
• Rev. Dr Dietrich WERNER, Programme Consultant for Ecumenical Theological
Education (ETE), on 31 December 2009.
• Ms Greta HOVDA, Project Assistant for the Project on Human Rights, on 3 1
December 2009.
• Dr Tharcisse GATWA, Regional consultancy of WCC/ETE for Africa, on 3 1
December 2009.
• Dr Antone HOPE, Regional consultancy of WCC/ETE for Asia, on 31 December
2009.
• Mr Miroslaw MATRENCZYK, Programme Executive, Eastern Europe Office, on 3 1
December 2009.
17.6 Seconded staff for the year 2009
The general secretary presented information on seconded staff for the year 2009 (see
Appendix XIII).
17.7 Former Staff
At the request of the executive committee, information on former staff from two regions
(Africa and Asia) as well as those from the Orthodox tradition was shared with the central
committee.
18 Closing actions
18.1 Evaluation
The central committee received a summary of the evaluation from the February 2008
meeting, and was invited to present their written evaluation on this meeting.
18.2 Dates of future meetings
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia informed the central committee of the following meeting dates:
• 16-23 February 2011 in Geneva
• 29 August-5 September 2012
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia also informed the central committee of the following executive
committee meeting dates:
23-26 February 2010 at Bossey
14-17 September 2010 near Edinburgh, Scotland
14-15 February 2011 in Geneva
13-16 September 2011 14-17 February 2012
27-28 August 2012
19-22 February 2013 in Geneva
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18.3 Appreciation
The moderator expressed a deep feeling of gratitude for this meeting and for all who
participated with a spirit of cooperation. He particularly thanked the churches in the four
locations that had issued invitations for the assembly, and remarked that these invitations
reflect the vitality and depth of ecumenical commitment in all parts of the world.
He then, on behalf of the officers, expressed thanks and appreciation to:
• the members of the central committee for their active participation and commitment
to the deliberations and actions of the meeting;
• all those who had attended the meeting in various capacities for their participation;
• all those who led us in worship over the week;
• the vice-moderators for moderating some of the decision sessions and those who
moderated during the hearing sessions;
• the moderators, vice-moderators, rapporteurs and those who served on committees;
• the general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia for his leadership and commitment to the
ecumenical movement and the council;
• the advisor/consultant on consensus, Dr Jill Tabart, for her helpful counsel during this
meeting where important decisions were taken smoothly thanks in large part to her
wisdom and work with the officers;
• the deputy general secretary, Mr Georges Lemopoulos and the assistant to the general
secretary, Ms. Catherine Christ-Taha, for their help in preparations for this meeting of
the central committee;
• and all the staff of the council.
The general secretary expressed his gratitude to the moderator and the vice-moderators for
their leadership and to all those who had contributed to the success of this meeting of the
central committee, including:
• Eden Grace, assisted by Caroline Hennessy, for writing and producing the minutes;
• Tara Tautari for assisting with the consensus procedures;
• The central committee members who volunteered to be recorders: Rev. Judy
Angelberger, Rev. Gregor Henderson, Rev. Will Ingram, Ms Anne Glynn Mackoul,
Rev. Frank Schilrer-Behrmann and Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele
• Rt. Rev. Duleep Kamil de Chickera for his inspiring Bible studies;
• the team on in-house logistics including Gerald Arci, Beatrice Merahi and Diana
Chabloz;
• the conference secretary, Gerard Scarff;
• the team of stewards under the staff leadership of Mark Taylor with Cristina Rendon;
• the interpreters and translators, coordinated by Jane Stranz with Marie Luz Cavagna;
World Council of Churches
Centred Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 119
• Simone Ergas, who coordinated the documentation operations together with Laura
Sandoval;
• the computer services staff, coordinated by Catherine Inoubli;
• the staff at the registration/information desk: Nan Braunschweiger, Marietta Ruhland,
Lut van Kersavond and Marysa Zoureli;
• the staff at the reception desk, Heather Stunt and Rola Egglof,;
• all the staff who assisted in the committee meetings;
• Yasmina Lebouachera-Visinand in the cash office;
• Alain Meuwly and his team and Eurest for coordination of all catering services;
• Catherine Rigole, Charlotte Vanel and Linda Ford in the WCC bookshop;
• Peter Williams, responsible for photo distribution;
• Manoj Kurian, Mireille Gheryani and Yvette Milosevic for chaplaincy and medical
assistance;
• Marc-Henri Heiniger and Laurent Veyrat-Durabex, plenary hall managers;
• the worship committee, coordinated by Sabine Udodesku with Simei Monteiro,
Hannelore Schmidt and Suzanne Tomaiuoli;
• Manoj Kurian, Fulata Moyo, loan Sauca and all the Bossey staff for the wonderful
celebration dinner on Sunday;
• the communication staff for contact with the media; and
• all the other staff for their attention to the needs of the members of central committee.
On behalf of the entire World Council of Churches, the general secretary expressed
farewell to two long-serving members of staff who will be retiring before the next meeting
of the central committee: Aruna Gnanadason and William Temu.
He then closed by offering his personal thanks for the support he had received from
members of the central committee, and the many ways they had ministered to him during
his years of service with the World Council of Churches.
18.4 Closing
The moderator officially closed the fifty-eighth meeting of the central committee of the
World Council of Churches at 1:15pm on 2 September 2009, and prayed for divine
guidance in the coming period. He then invited the central committee to move to the
chapel for the closing prayers.
World Council of Churches
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26 August - 2 September 2009
page 120
19 Appendix I - members present
Officers
Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. Dr Gennadios of Sassima, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rev. Dr Margaretha M. Elendriks-Ririmasse, Gereja Protestan Maluku (GPM)
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, World Council of Churches
Presidents
Archbishop Prof. Dr Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, Orthodox
Autocephalous Church of Albania
Mr John Taroanui Doom, Eglise protestante Maohi
Dr Soritua Albert Ernst Nababan, Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP)
Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega Suarez, Iglesia Presbiteriana - Reformada en Cuba
Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson, United Church of Christ
Dr Mary Tanner, Church of England
Members
Bishop Ivan Manuel Abrahams, Methodist Church of Southern Africa
Dr Agnes Abuom, Anglican Church of Kenya
Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira, Church of the Province of West Africa
H.G. Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia)
Rev. James Lagos Alexander, Africa Inland Church - Sudan
Mrs Jeannette Akissi Aneye, Eglise methodiste unie de la Cote d’Ivoire
Rev. Dr Judy Angleberger, Presbyterian Church (USA)
H.E. Archbishop Aristarchos of Constantina, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Rev. Dr Festus A. Asana, Presbyterian Church in Cameroon
Mr Onesimus Asiimwe, Church of Uganda
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin)
Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah, Church of Pakistan
Dr Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy See of Cilicia)
Ms Christina Biere, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
Rev. Heike Bosien, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
Rt Rev. Dr Thomas Frederick Butler, Church of England
Rev. Rothangliani R. Chhangte, American Baptist Churches in the USA
Mrs Hera Rere Clarke, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia
Mrs Paula Devejian, Armenian Apostolic Church (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)
Rev. Dr Moiseraele Prince Dibeela, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa
Rev. Fr George Dimas, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
Rev. Carlos Duarte, Iglesia Evangelica del Rio de la Plata
World Council of Churches
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26 August - 2 September 2009
page 121
Bishop Sally Dyck, United Methodist Church
Rt Rev. Dr Govada Dyvasirvadam, Church of South India
Rev. Dr Safwat El-Baiady, Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Egypt, Synod of the Nile
Rev. Dr Fernando Enns, Vereinigung der Deutschen Mennonitengemeinden
Rev. Tofiga Vaevalu Falani, Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu E.
Dean Anders Gadegaard, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
Bishop Peter Gancs, Lutheran Church in Elungary
Rev. Dr Ying Gao, China Christian Council
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner, Moravian Church in Jamaica
Rev. Dr Kondothra M. George, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
Archimandrite Prof. Dr Job Getcha, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Mrs Jenny Rio Rita Girsang, Gereja Kristen Protestan Simalungun (GKPS)
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East
Dr David Robin Goodbourn, Baptist Union of Great Britain
Ms Margareta Grape, Church of Sweden
Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Ms Sarah Harte, Episcopal Church in the USA
Bishop Dr Martin Hermann Hein, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
Rev. Gregor Henderson, Uniting Church in Australia
Mrs Anita Henslin, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia
Rev. Dr Martin Hirzel, Schweizerischer Evangelischer Kirchenbund
Fr Heikki Huttunen, Orthodox Church of Finland
Rev. William Ingram, Presbyterian Church in Canada
Bishop Dr Ioannis of Thermopylae, Church of Greece
H.G. Bishop Irinej of Australia and New Zealand, Serbian Orthodox Church
Ms Hae-Sun Jung, Korean Methodist Church
r
Rev. Micheline Kamba Kasongo, Eglise du Christ au Congo - Communaute
presbyterienne de Kinshasa
Ms Carmencita Karagdag, Iglesia Filipina Independiente
Rev. Canon Nangula E. Kathindi, Anglican Church of Southern Africa
Ms Marloes Keller, Protestant Church in the Netherlands
Rev. Dr Sint Kimhachandra, Church of Christ in Thailand
Rev. Leonard Tegwende Kinda, Association des eglises evangeliques reformees du
Burkina Faso
V. Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, Orthodox Church in America
Rev. Carmen Lansdowne, United Church of Canada
Mag. Emanuela Larentzakis, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rev. Sanele Faasua Lavatai, Methodist Church of Samoa
Mrs Ming-Min (Nancy) Lin Cheng, Presbyterian Church in Taiwan
Ms Kathryn Lohre, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Carlos Lopez-Lozano, Iglesia Espanola Reformada Episcopal
H.E. Archbishop Makarios of Kenya and Irinoupolis, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Alexandria and All Africa
Rev. Antonio Pedro Malungo, Igreja Evangelica Reformada de Angola
Bishop Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos, Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar
World Council of Churches
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26 August - 2 September 2009
page 122
Prof. Dr Georgios Martzelos, Church of Greece
Ms Lois McCullough Dauway, United Methodist Church
Mr Graham Gerald McGeoch, Church of Scotland
Bishop Dr Owdenburg Moses Mdegella, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania
Ms Peggy Adeline Mekel, Christian Evangelical Church in Minahasa (GMIM)
Mrs Marie-Christine Michau, Eglise evangelique lutherienne de France
Rev. Dr Elisee Musemakweli, Eglise presbyterienne au Rwanda
Jane Mutoro, Religious Society of Friends: Friends United Meeting
Dr Magali Nascimento Cunha, Igreja Metodista no Brasil
Mr Itayi Ndudzo, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe
Mrs Margarita Nelyubova, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
FI.E. Metropolitan Prof. DrNifon of Targoviste, Romanian Orthodox Church
Rev. Prof. Renta Nishihara, Nippon Sei Ko Kai
Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi, Eglise anglicane du Burundi
Ms Omowunmi lyabobe Oyekola, Church of the Lord (Aladura) Worldwide
Mr Jorgo Papadhopuli, Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania
Rev. Prof. Dr Seong-Won Park, Presbyterian Church of Korea
Dr Evelyn Parker, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Mr Carlos Pena, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Dr Mindawati Perangin-angin, Gereja Batak Karo Protestan (GBKP)
Archpriest Prof. Dr Vladan Peris ic, Serbian Orthodox Church
Bishop Sofie Petersen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
Rev. Elector Osvaldo Petrecca, Iglesia Cristiana Biblica
Bishop Simo Peura, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Rev. Dr Larry Pickens, United Methodist Church
Ms Alison Jane Preston, Anglican Church of Australia
Rev. I. Made Priana, Gereja Kristen Protestan di Bali (GKPB)
Dr Audeh B. Quawas, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem
Rev. Dr Sarah Rogers, Church in Wales
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta Roham, Syrian Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch
and All the East
Rev. Aaro Rytkonen, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Bishop Taranath S. Sagar, Methodist Church in India
Rev. Lindsey Heather Sanderson, United Reformed Church
Bishop Martin Schindehutte, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
Rev. Gretchen Schoon-Tanis, Reformed Church in America
Rev. Frank Schiirer-Behrmann, Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland
Ms Iveta Starcova, Orthodox Church in the Czech Lands and Slovakia
Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele, Anglican Church of Canada
Mrs Anna Teodoridis-Del Re, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Rev. John Thomas, United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr Michael Tita, Romanian Orthodox Church
Mrs Helen Ubon Usung, Presbyterian Church of Nigeria
Ms Geraldine Varea, Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma
H.E. Metropolitan Dr Vasilios of Constantia - Ammochostos, Church of Cyprus
World Council of Churches
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26 August - 2 September 2009
page 123
Ms Outi Vasko, Orthodox Church of Finland
Archbishop Dr Joris Vercammen, Old-Catholic Church in the Netherlands
Father Igor Vyzhanov, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States of
America
Rev. Hnoija Jean Wete, Eglise evangelique en Nouvelle-Caledonie et aux lies Loyaute
Rev. Robina Winbush, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Ms Motoe Yamada, United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr Andreas Yewangoe, Christian Church of Sumba (GKS)
Members (Substitutes)
Rev. Kjetil Aano, Church of Norway, substitute for Rev. Ingrid Vad Nilsen
Mr Samer A1 Laham, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East, substitute
for H.E. Damascinos Mansour of Brazil
Mr Olle Alkholm, Mission Covenant Church of Sweden, substitute for Rev. Sofia
Camnerin
H.G. Bishop David Anba, Coptic Orthodox Church, substitute for H.G. Bishop Youannes
Ms Kyriaki Avtzi, Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania, substitute for Mr Jorgo
Papadhopuli on 1-2 September
Rev. Jaoyuan Bao, China Christian Council, substitute for Ms Chen Meilin
Ms Katerina Dekanovska, Czechoslovak Hussite Church, substitute for Ms Kristyna
Mlynkova
Dr T. DeWitt Smith, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., substitute for Rev. Dr
Tyrone S. Pitts on 26 August
Dr Prawate Khid-arn, Christian Conference of Asia, substitute for Anna May Chain
Rev. Dr Wakseyoum Idosa Negeri, Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus,
substitute for Rev. Iteffa Gobena
Archbishop Philipos, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, substitute for Archbishop
Abba Zecharias
Dr Agedew Redie, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, substitute for Dr Nigussu
Legesse
Rev. Javier Rojas Teran, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Bolivia, substitute for Obispo
Carlos Poma Apazo
Hieromonk Philip Ryabykh, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), substitute
for Fr. Vsevolod Chaplin
Fr Mikhail Sabry Megally, Coptic Orthodox Church, substitute for H.E. Metropolitan
Bishoy of Damietta
Archbishop Michael Kehinde Stephen, Continuation Committee on Ecumenism in the
21st Century, substitute for Most Rev. Robert Aboagye-Mensah
Rev. Alexander Vasyutin, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), substitute for
H.G. Hilarion of Volokolamsk
Bishop Dr John White (African Methodist Episcopal Church), substitute for Bishop
McKinley Young
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 124
Apologies
Most Rev. Dr Robert Aboagye-Mensah, Methodist Church Ghana
Ms Terauango Beneteri, Kiribati Protestant Church
H.E. Metropolitan Bishoy of Damietta, Coptic Orthodox Church
Rev. Sofia Camnerin, Mission Covenant Church of Sweden
Ms Nerrisa Celestine-James, Church in the Province of the West Indies
Dr Anna May Chain, Myanmar Baptist Convention
Archpriest Vsevolod Chaplin, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate)
Rev. Dr Simon Kossi Dossou, Eglise protestante methodiste du Benin
H.G. Archbishop Dr Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Russian Orthodox Church (Moscow
Patriarchate)
Most Rev. Dr Josiah Atkins Idowu-Fearon, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph, Methodist Church, Sri Lanka
Ms Sanchita Kisku, United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India
Mrs Pati Kyafa, Reformed Church of Christ in Nigeria
EI.E. Metropolitan Damascinos Mansour of Brazil, Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of
Antioch and All the East
Mrs Prabhjot Primrose Masih, Church of North India
Ms Kristyna Mlynkova, Czechoslovak Hussite Church
Rev. Dr Heather Morris, Methodist Church in Ireland
Ms Bridget Naulapwa, United Church of Zambia
H.H. Patriarch Abune Paulos, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Rev. Dr Tyrone S. Pitts, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Bishop Carlos Poma Apaza, Iglesia Evangelica Metodista en Bolivia
Mrs Suzette Vaolimanga Razanadrakoto, Eglise de Jesus-Christ a Madagascar
Mr Anthony Row, Methodist Church in Malaysia
Rev. Glenna Spencer, Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas
V. Rev. Pawel Wlodzimierz Stefanowski, Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church in
Poland
H.G. Bishop Youannes, Coptic Orthodox Church
Bishop McKinley Young, African Methodist Episcopal Church
H.G. Abune Zecharias, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Rev. Simon Zeyi Ndingambote, Eglise de Jesus-Christ sur la Terre par son Envoye special
Simon Kimbangu
Moderators of Commission or Advisory Groups
Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik, Commission of the Churches on International Affairs
Metropolitan Dr Geevarghese Mar Coorilos, Commission on World Mission and
Evangelism
Ms Diana Fernandes dos Santos, Echos Commission
Rev. Jennifer S. Leath, Joint Consultative Group between the WCC and Pentecostals
Prof. Isabel Apawo Phiri, Commission on Education and Ecumenical Formation
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 125
Advisors - International Ecumenical Organisations
Rev. Dr Meehyun Chung, Mission 21
Mr Caesar D’Mello, Ecumenical Coalition on Tourism - ECOT
Mr Philippe Guiton, World Vision International - Geneva
Rev. Dr Markku Kotila, United Bible Societies
Mr Evert-Jan Ouweneel, World Vision International
Rev. Canaan Phiri, Malawi Council of Churches
Deaconess Terttu Kyllikki Pohjolainen, World Federation of Diaconal Associations
Rev. Alain Charles Rey, Community of Churches in Mission (CEVAA)
Dr Bartholomew Shaha, World Alliance of YMCAs
Mr Robert W. F. van Drimmelen, Association of World Council of Churches-related
Development Organisations in Europe - APRODEV
Rev. Michael Wallace, World Student Christian Federation
Advisors - Christian World Communions
Bishop Heinrich Bolleter, World Methodist Council
Dr Reinder Bruinsma, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dr John Graz, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Dr Kathryn L. Johnson, Lutheran World Federation
Rev. Nicta Lubaale, Organisation of African Instituted Churches
Lt. Colonel Richard Munn, Salvation Army
Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, Lutheran World Federation
Janet Scott, Friends World Committee for Consultation
Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, World Alliance of Reformed Churches
Rev. Prof. David Thompson, Disciples Ecumenical Consultative Council (Christian
Churches)
Rev. Dr Douwe Visser, World Alliance of Reformed Churches
Advisors - Regional Ecumenical Organisations
Rev. Nilton Giese, Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias
Rev. Dr Andre Karamaga, All Africa Conference of Churches
Mr Guirguis Saleh, Middle East Council of Churches
Venerable Colin Williams, Conference of European Churches
Advisors - National Council of Churches
Rev. Tara Curlewis, National Council of Churches in Australia
Rev. Sven-Bemhard Fast, Christian Council of Sweden
Rev. Bob Fyffe, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
Rev. Dr Karen Hamilton, Canadian Council of Churches
Rev. Gary Harriott, Jamaica Council of Churches
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 126
Rev. Canon Peter Karanja, National Council of Churches of Kenya
Rev. Sam-whan Kim, National Council of Churches in Korea
Rev. Dr Michael Kinnamon, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Rev. Oh-sung Kwon, National Council of Churches in Korea
Mr Edwin Makue, South African Council of Churches
Mr David Joshua Modiega, Botswana Council of Churches
Rev. Samuel Obafemi Ogbe, Christian Council of Nigeria
Rev. Kam Cheong Po, Hong Kong Christian Council
Rev. Angel Luis Rivera- Agosto, Puerto Rico Council of Churches
Rev. Ornulf Steen, Christian Council of Norway
Rev. Dr Solomon Zwana, Zimbabwe Council of Churches
Advisors - Specialized Ministries
Mr Roel Aalbersberg, Interchurch Organization for Development Cooperation
Mr Christer Akesson, Church of Sweden
Rev. Christoph Anders, Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany
Rev. John L. McCullough, Church World Service
Rev. Jorgen Thomsen, DanChurchAid
Delegated Observers
Rev. Fr Gosbert Byamungu, Roman Catholic Church
Observers
Lie. Elias C. Abramides, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Buenos Aires
and South America - Ecumenical Patriarchate
Ms Meenuka Amarathunga, Echos Commission
Mr Austin Gary Angleberger, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Ms Jane Bennett, World YWCA
Dr Kenneth Bensen, Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
Ms Leni Bjorklund, Church of Sweden
Ms Omega Bula, United Church of Canada
Rev. Dr Risto Jaakko Juhani Cantell, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Mr Jun Hee Cho, Presbyterian Church of Korea
Rev. Dr Seong Gi Cho, Presbyterian Church of Korea
Rt. Rev. Duleep Kamil De Chickera, Church of Ceylon
Dr Trude Evenshaug, National Church Council
Ms Beate Fagerli, Church of Norway
Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, Reformed Church in America
Mrs Berit Hagen Agoy, Church of Norway
Dr James Henslin, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia
Rev. loan Livius Jebelean, Christkatholische Kirche der Schweiz
Rev. Jens-Petter Johnsen, National Church Council - Norway
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 127
Dr Konstantinos Kenanidis, Ecumenical Patriarchate
Mr Melaku Kifle, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Rev. Dr Wonjae Lee, Korean Methodist Church
Bishop Donald J. Mccoid, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Ms Kristin Molander, Church of Sweden
Mr Ee-YoungNa, Christian Broadcasting System (CBS)
Mr John Nduna, Action by Churches Together (ACT International)-WCC/LWF
Emergency
OKR Rev. Jens Nieper, Evangelical Church in Germany
Prof. Dr Kyung-seo Park, Presbyterian Church of Korea
Rev. Dr Jong-Wha Park, Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea
Mr Raymond Ranker, Echos Commission
Ms Arja Birgitta Rantakari, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Dr Marcelo Schneider, Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil
Ms Mary Siamanda Siameto, World Council of Churches
Rev. Dr Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr., United Methodist Church
Mr Chola Simwanza, Echos Commission
Dr Jorgen Skov Sorensen, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
Rev. Prof. Dr Christoph Stiickelberger, Schweizerischer Evangelischer Kirchenbund
Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, Church of Norway
Mr Flubert van Beek, Global Christian Forum
Rev. Lydia Veliko, United Church of Christ
Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader, Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 128
20 Appendix II - Composition of committees of the central
COMMITTEE
Finance committee
Bishop Ivan Manuel Abrahams
Mr Olle Alkholm
Rev. Dr Festus A. Asana
Rt Rev. Dr Govada Dyvasirvadam
Rev. Tofiga Vaevalu Falani
Dean Anders Gadegaard
Mrs Jenny Rio Rita Girsang
Bishop Dr Ioannis of Thermopylae
Dr Prawate Khid-am
Rev. Dr Sint Kimhachandra
Rev. Carmen Lansdowne
Mrs Margarita Nelyubova
Ms Omowunmi Iyabobe Oyekola
Mr Carlos Pena
Rev. Dr Larry Pickens
Ms Alison Jane Preston
Dr Agedew Redie
Bishop Taranath S. Sagar
Bishop Martin Schindehutte
Nominations committee
Justice Sophia O.A. Adinyira
Fl.G. Bishop David Anba
Bishop Samuel Robert Azariah
Ms Katerina Dekanovska
Mrs Paula Devejian
Rev. Fr George Dimas
Rev. Dr Safwat El-Baiady
Bishop Peter Gancs
Rev. Dr Ying Gao
Rev. Dr Paul Gardner
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul
Dr David Robin Goodbourn
Archpriest Mikhail Gundyaev
Bishop Dr Martin Flennann Hein
Ms Hae-Sun Jung
Rev. Canon Nangula E. Kathindi
Mag. Emanuela Larentzakis
A dvisors/ Observers
Mr David Joshua Modiega
Rev. Prof. David Thompson
Ms Arja Birgitta Rantakari
Mr Graham Gerald McGeoch
Ms Peggy Adeline Mekel
Mrs Marie-Christine Michau
Rev. Dr Wakseyoum Idosa Negeri
Dr Evelyn Parker
Archpriest Prof. Dr Vladan Perisic
Dr Audeh B. Quawas
Rev. Aaro Rytkonen
Rev. Gretchen Schoon-Tanis
Rev. Dr Michael Tita
Ms Geraldine Varea
Rev. Dr Sharon Watkins
A dvisors/ Observers
Rev. Rui Bernhard
Ms Arja Birgitta Rantakari
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 129
Policy reference committee
Rev. Kjetil Aano
H.G. Bishop Nareg Alemezian
Mrs Jeannette Akissi Aneye
Mr Onesimus Asiimwe
Rev. Rothangliani R. Chhangte
Rev. Dr Kondothra M. George
Archimandrite Prof. Dr Job Getcha
Ms Anne Glynn-Mackoul
Ms Sarah Harte
Rev. Micheline Kamba Kasongo
Ms Marloes Keller
Rev. Leonard Tegwende Kinda
Rev. Antonio Pedro Malungo
Rev. Dr Elisee Musemakweli
Mr Itayi Ndudzo
Mr Jorgo Papadhopuli
Rev. Hector Osvaldo Petrecca
Rev. I. Made Priana
Rev. Javier Rojas Teran
Fr Mikhail Sabry Megally
Rev. Frank Schurer-Behrmann
Archbishop Michael Kehinde Stephen
Mrs Anna Teodoridis-Del Re
Ms Outi Vasko
Rev. Alexander Vasyutin
Bishop Dr John White
Rev. Robina Winbush
Ms Motoe Yamada
Public issues committee
Dr Agnes Abuom (Moderator)
Mr Samer A1 Laham
Rev. James Lagos Alexander
Rev. Dr Judy Angleberger
H.E. Archbishop Aristarchos of
Constantina
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian
Dr Nora Bayrakdarian-Kabakian
Rev. Heike Bosien
Rt Rev. Dr Thomas Frederick Butler
Advisors/Observers
Bishop Heinrich Bolleter
Rev. Fr Gosbert Byamungu
Rev. Tara Curlewis
Rev. Nilton Giese
Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson
Rev. loan Livius Jebelean
Dr Kathryn L. Johnson
Rev. Oh-sung Kwon
Rev. Nicta Lubaale
Bishop Donald J. Mccoid
Ms Kristin Molander
Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko
Rev. Kam Cheong Po
Janet Scott
Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth
Rev. Ornulf Steen
Mrs Maria Cleofe Sumire De Conde
Venerable Colin Williams
Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader
A dvisorsA Ob sewers
Rev. Sven-Bemhard Fast
Dr John Graz
Rev. Canon Peter Karanja
Lt. Colonel Richard Munn
OKR Rev. Jens Nieper
Rev. Samuel Obafemi Ogbe
Rev. Canaan Phiri
Rev. Angel Luis Rivera-Agosto
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 130
Mrs Hera Rere Clarke
Rt. Rev. Duleep Kamil De Chickera
Rev. Dr Moiseraele Prince Dibeela
Rev. Carlos Duarte
Bishop Sally Dyck
Rev. Gregor Henderson
Mrs Anita Henslin
Rev. William Ingram
H.G. Bishop Irinej of Australia and New
Zealand
Rev. W.P. Ebenezer Joseph
Ms Carmencita Karagdag
Mrs Ming-Min (Nancy) Lin Cheng
Ms Kathryn Lohre
Rev. Prof. Renta Nishihara
Bishop Sofie Petersen
Rev. Dr Sarah Rogers
Hieromonk Philip Ryabykh
Rev. Lindsey Heather Sanderson
Rev. John Thomas
Rev. Hnoija Jean Wete
Rev. Dr Andreas Yewangoe
Programme committee
Ms Lois McCullough Dauway
(Moderator)
Rev. Jaoyuan Bao
Ms Christina Biere
Rev. Dr Fernando Enns
Dr David Robin Goodbourn
Ms Margareta Grape
Rev. Dr Martin Hirzel
Fr Heikki Huttunen
V. Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky
Ms Sanchita Kisku
Rev. Sanele Faasua Lavatai
Bishop Carlos Lopez-Lozano
H.E. Archbishop Makarios of Kenya and
Irinoupolis
Bishop Dr Isaac Mar Philoxenos
Prof. Dr Georgios Martzelos
Bishop Dr Owdenburg Moses Mdegella
Jane Mutoro
Dr Magali Nascimento Cunha
Mr Guirguis Saleh
Dr Stanley William
Rev. Dr Solomon Zwana
Advisors/ Observers
Mr Roel Aalbersberg
Lie. Elias C. Abramides
Mr Christer Akesson
Rev. Christoph Anders
Dr Kenneth Bensen
Rev. Kjell Magne Bondevik
Ms Omega Bula
Rev. Dr Meehyun Chung
Metropolitan Dr Geevarghese Mar Coorilos
Mr Caesar D’Mello
Ms Diana Fernandes dos Santos
Mr Philippe Guiton
Rev. Gary Harriott
Dr Konstantinos Kenanidis
Rev. Jennifer S. Leath
Mr Edwin Makue
Rev. John L. McCullough
Mr John Nduna
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 131
H.E. Metropolitan Prof. DrNifon of
Targoviste
Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi
Rev. Prof. Dr Seong-Won Park
Dr Mindawati Perangin-angin
Bishop Simo Peura
Archbishop Philipos
Rev. Dr Tyrone S. Pitts
H.E. Metropolitan Mor Eustathius Matta
Roham
Ms Iveta Starcova
Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele
Mrs Helen Ubon Usung
H.E. Metropolitan Dr Vasilios of
Constantia - Ammochostos
Archbishop Dr Joris Vercammen
Father Igor Vyzhanov
Rev. Simon Zeyi Ndingambote
Prof. Isabel Apawo Phiri
Deaconess Terttu Kyllikki Pohjolainen
Dr Bartholomew Shaha
Ms Mary Siamanda Siameto
Rev. Dr Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr.
Rev. Prof. Dr Christoph Stiickelberger
Rev. Jorgen Thomsen
Mr Robert W. F. van Drimmelen
Rev. Lydia Veliko
Rev. Michael Wallace
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 132
21 Appendix III - Procedures for the election
of the General Secretary
[Adapted from framework included in minutes of the central committee,
August 1992, Appendix III. Approved in this form at this meeting.]
1. In a closed hearing session of the central committee, the moderator of the search
committee shall present the committee’s final report, including information on the
search committee’s process and the qualifications of the candidate(s). A full dossier
for the nominee(s) shall be made available to central committee members, including a
brief statement of his or her vision for the WCC and for the ecumenical movement.
2. The central committee will be invited to ask questions of the moderator of the search
committee for clarification and information about the search committee’s process,
work and the substance of its report.
3. The nominee(s) briefly (10-15 minutes) shall address the central committee.
4. In a closed decision session of the central committee following the procedures of
Rule XX. 10, the central committee shall consider the nominations of the search
committee.
a) In the event the search committee has nominated one name only, the central
committee shall consider whether to accept or reject the name recommended by
the search committee. No nominations from the floor will be accepted.
i) After due discussion moderated by the moderator of the central committee,
the central committee will decide, by simple majority of those members and
substitutes present, whether to close discussion. If the vote on whether to
close discussion is negative, the moderator will allow further discussion,
until the central committee agrees to vote.
ii) Once the central committee agrees to vote, the moderator of the central
committee shall proceed with the election of a general secretary by secret
ballot. The Presidents will count the votes and present the results to the
moderator who shall announce the results in the same session in which the
vote is taken. A simple majority of central committee members and
substitutes present and voting in favour of the nominee shall constitute an
election.
iii) If the majority is in favour of accepting the nominee, the Moderator shall
announce the results of the election and the central committee will receive
the general secretary-designate in open session. He or she will then greet the
central committee.
iv) If the majority is not in favour of accepting the nominee, the process will
move to section 4.c below.
b) In the event the search committee has brought two nominees for consideration by
the central committee, the central committee shall first consider whether to
World Council of Churches
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26 August - 2 September 2009
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accept the two names recommended by the search committee or to reject both
names. No nominations from the floor will be accepted.
i) After due discussion moderated by the moderator of the central committee,
the central committee will decide, by simple majority of those members and
substitutes present, whether to close discussion. If the vote on whether to
close discussion is negative, the moderator will allow further discussion,
until the central committee agrees to vote.
ii) If the vote on whether to close discussion is positive, the vote will follow
without further discussion, with the central committee invited to vote either
“yes” (i.e., to accept the two names recommended by the search committee)
or “no” (i.e., to reject the two names recommended by the search
committee). The Presidents will count the votes and present the results to the
moderator who shall announce the results in the same session in which the
vote is taken.
iii) If a simple majority of central committee members and substitutes present
and voting vote “yes” in favour of accepting the two names recommended
by the search committee, the moderator of the central committee shall
proceed with the election of a general secretary by secret ballot. In the event
of the election of one of the nominees the moderator shall announce the
results of the election and the central committee will receive the general
secretary-elect in open session. He or she will then greet the central
committee.
iv) If a simple majority of central committee members and substitutes present
and voting votes “no,” the process will move to section 4.c below.
c) If the central committee decides by a simple majority of central committee
members and substitutes present and voting to reject the nominee(s) brought
forward by the search committee, the central committee shall then decide by
consensus process:
i) to ask the current Search Committee to continue its work and to bring a
report including nomination(s) to the next regular, or to a special, meeting of
the central committee, or to proceed to elect a new search committee to bring
a report including nomination(s) to the next regular, or to a special, meeting
of the central committee, and
ii) to delegate to the executive committee appointment of an interim general
secretary to serve from the end of the term of the then current or acting
general secretary until such time as the next regular or special session
meeting of the central committee to elect a new general secretary.
5. In each stage during these procedures that a vote is taken, the following process shall
be followed:
a) The doors of the room shall be closed and those gathered in the room shall
remain in the room for the duration of the election. No one shall enter or leave
the room during the voting process. Participants shall be instructed to turn off all
World Council of Churches
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26 August - 2 September 2009
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means of electronic communication including mobile telephones, computers and
similar devices for the duration of the election process.
b) The moderator of the central committee shall appoint persons (the “ballot
distributors”) to distribute numbered ballots to each member of the central
committee or substitute present, which ballots shall be either blank, in the case of
yes/no voting, or in the case of an election, listing in alphabetical order the names
of each of the nominees and also the word “abstain” in each of the working
languages of the WCC.
c) The roster of central committee members or substitutes present certified as such
by the moderator (the “official roster”) shall be marked by the ballot distributors
to indicate that person has received a ballot. No record shall be made of the
number of the ballot received or cast by a particular person.
d) Once all central committee members and substitutes present have received
ballots, the ballot distributors shall note the number of ballots distributed and the
balance of ballots prepared but not distributed shall be destroyed.
e) Each member of the central committee and substitute present shall be invited to
mark his or her ballot either by writing the words “yes” or “no” in any of the
WCC working languages in the case of a yes/no vote, or, in the case of an
election, by circling or marking with an “X” next to one of the names of the
nominees or next to the word “abstain” if that person wishes to abstain from
selecting between the nominees. Only one mark should be made.
f) Once voting has been completed, the ballots shall be deposited into a sealed
ballot box as the ballot distributors again mark the official roster to indicate that
person has cast a ballot. The ballot distributors shall count the ballots cast to
assure that the number of ballots received does not exceed the number distributed
and that no ballot is returned bearing a number out of the range of those
distributed.
g) The presidents shall receive and count the ballots cast and present the results to
the moderator who shall announce the results in the same session in which the
vote is taken. In the event of an election, the presidents shall count the total
number of valid votes cast for the nominees, including the abstentions (“valid
votes cast”), and shali separate from the valid votes cast any non- valid ballots.
Ballots shall be considered “non-valid” if there are two or more marks made or
selections indicated on the same ballot such that the choice indicated on the
ballot is ambiguous. Non-valid ballots shall not be counted. The total number of
valid votes cast shall serve as 100% for the determination of a simple majority,
understood to be 50% of the valid votes cast plus one.
h) In the event that neither candidate reaches a simple majority and there have been
invalid ballots and/or abstentions among the votes cast, the moderator shall call
for a re-vote. If the re-vote also fails to achieve a simple majority for either
candidate, then a third vote will take place, in which members will cast either a
“yes” vote or a “no” vote or “abstain” to that candidate who had the highest
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 135
number of votes in the previous vote. If also this third vote fails to achieve a
simple majority, the process will then move to section 4.c above.
22 Appendix IV - Report of the search committee
Preamble
The World Council of Churches (WCC) is a fellowship of Orthodox, Anglican and
Protestant member churches currently numbering 349 and comprising 560 million
Christians around the world. During the last central committee held in Geneva in February
2008, a search committee was constituted following the announcement by the present
general secretary, the Rev. Samuel Kobia, a Methodist pastor from Kenya that he would
not seek another term.
According to the central committee minutes of August 1992, appendix III, the moderator
of the search committee is expected to present the committee’s final report to the central
committee including the search committee’s process and qualifications of candidates. This
therefore, is the report of the search committee as required by the central committee to this
central committee meeting of August 2009 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Appointment and composition of the search committee
The central committee on 16 February at its ordinary meeting in Geneva appointed the
search committee as per the policy and practice from the last election, contained in the
minutes of the executive and central committee for the period 2001 - 2003. In line with
this practice, the composition of the committee is 18 persons of whom ten are directly
elected by the central committee, six nominated by the executive committee for purposes
of balances plus the two vice-moderators. The current search committee has two
substitutes who were invited to fully participate and in the course of the committee’s
work, one of the members stepped down in order to become a candidate leaving a
committee of 19 persons. Appendix 1 provides the list of names, regional representation
and other balances.
Approaches used by the search committee
In deciding on the approaches to use, the committee was unanimous that discernment and
consensus be central at every stage of the process underpinned by prayer during meetings.
Further, the committee was of common mind that meetings be held within church settings
so as to provide the enabling environment for reflection and prayer and towards this end,
the search committee is grateful to Bishop Dr Martin Hein of Kassel, Germany for hosting
them in July 2008. The venue was ideal for the committee especially, as it reviewed
procedures and roles and responsibilities of the general secretary. Another church-related
venue that inspired the committee was the Orthodox Academy of Crete, in Greece. A final
meeting was held in a hotel for purposes of meeting the needs of candidates and members
of the committee.
Member churches of the WCC were requested by the moderator, the Rev. Dr Prof. Walter
Altmann, to accompany the committee through prayers and for which the members are
grateful. In addition, the committee sought feedback from member churches and central
committee members on the role and responsibilities of the general secretary and the
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 136
application form. A number of comments received were shared with the executive
committee through a report presented during its meeting in September 2008. Likewise,
prior to sharing the final revised role and responsibilities of the general secretary with
member churches and central committee, the executive committee and the officers
approved the changes. Whilst awaiting applications, the committee undertook to approach
individuals deemed suitable for the job with a view to encouraging them to apply.
The search committee agreed that confidentiality of candidates would be maintained as a
way of respecting respective candidates’ dignity; and referees of short listed candidates
were approached by committee members with specific questions regarding a particular
candidate. Moreover, short listed candidates were requested to bring along their original
copies of certificates for validation. In conclusion, the committee sought to be
participatory and establish consensus on critical decisions.
Process and activities of the search committee
This section highlights the meetings and specific activities that the committee undertook
in realizing its mandate. To begin with, the committee met for the first time, during the
central committee on 19 February 2008 in Geneva. At this meeting, the moderator of the
committee, Dr Agnes Abuom, was confirmed, expectations of the committee discussed,
rules and guidelines set in 1987 and 1992 were shared; substitutes in the committee
incorporated to participate fully and a calendar of activities for the committee agreed
upon. Besides, the committee requested the moderator and two of its members, namely
Metropolitan Nifon of Targoviste and Rt Rev. Samuel Azariah, to meet with staff of the
council in Geneva and listen to their views and suggestions of the general secretary that
they expect in future. This was undertaken on 2-3 July 2008 and a representative group of
staff from senior, middle management and support levels shared their views. A number of
the staff, especially support group, had discussed their perspectives in groups; otherwise
most of them shared their individual views.
Second meeting held from 7-11 July 2008 in Germany
On the invitation of Bishop Dr Martin Hein, the committee held its second meeting in
Kassel/Hofgeismar, Germany on 7-1 1 July 2008. The main agenda at this time was to
review and propose draft Role and Responsibilities as well as agree on the framework and
content of the Application Form for the general secretary to be shared with central
committee and member churches in accordance with procedure; and developing criteria
for short listing of candidates. Furthermore, the moderator shared the report of the
discussions with staff in Geneva including other comments received from some member
churches and individuals regarding the function of the general secretary, deputy general
secretary and WCC governing organs. Comments from member churches were based on
the old role and responsibilities of the general secretary that were posted on the website
and shared by the central committee moderator. In order to facilitate the work of the
committee, the criteria for short listing was to be finalized and the procedures for selection
revised.
Report of the search committee to the executive committee
The search committee shared a report with the executive committee that met on 23-26
September 2008. A number of issues highlighted included: the need to seriously consider
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 137
the different levels of WCC governance organs and their lines of accountabilities and to
update the rules to current standards. Concerning the human resources management, the
executive committee was requested to consider defining the process for the evaluation of
senior management and procedures relating to human resources clarified. On the
spirituality and ethos of staff at the ecumenical centre that has been a concern for a
number of years as attendance at prayer services has declined, the search committee
recommended that the executive committee include the spiritual life of staff in the review
of human resources management. Finally, the search committee proposed that the
executive committee begin a visioning process through different arenas; exploring our
commitment to and vision for unity and the ecumenical movement. After the officers’
meeting in December 2008, the final role and responsibilities clarification and application
form were shared with central committee members and member churches on 8 December
and the central committee moderator reminded them the deadline for application as 28
February 2009.
Short listing of candidates
By the time the search committee met on April 1-4 April 2009, applicants were over 23.
They included those nominated but who had not applied who were few in number and
those who applied. With the use of the criteria developed and agreed upon by the
committee, every candidate was scrutinized and six candidates were identified to continue
their participation in the search process. The moderator wrote to those that did not make to
the next stage thanking them for their commitment and contribution to the ecumenical
movement and to the six informing them about their status as well as about the dates for
the interview and requirements. All the six expressed interest to continue the process.
Interviews of Candidates
A final meeting of the committee held on 23-27 June 2009 interviewed the six candidates
using the agreed questions and procedures for consensus and voting decision-making.
Before interviews were conducted, the committee received feedback from members of the
committee that contacted referees on respective candidates. The process used was agreed
and the committee divided into two parts, those that actively participated in raising
questions and the team that participated as process observers. After the interviews and
discussions the committee took the decision to submit two names, and immediately the
moderator called the two successful candidates to inform them of the decision and to also
seek their opinion as to whether they were still prepared to continue to the next stage of
the search process. Likewise, the other four candidates received communication regarding
their performance which was followed by e-mail. This time round the committee decided
to communicate its decision to the moderator of central committee, the general secretary
and the department of communication, with a view to share the outcome of the process so
far.
Proposed candidates
At the end of the interviews and assessment of the six candidates in June, the search
committee agreed to bring to the central committee two candidates for your consideration
as provided for in Section H - Presentation of a nominee, Central Committee Minutes,
August 1992 (Appendix III), and who according to the search committee fulfil all
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 138
requirements namely, motivation, publications, support of their church and certification.
The candidates are, the Rev. Dr Park Seong -Won, professor of theology at Youngnam
Theological University and Seminary in Kyeongsan and the Rev. Dr Olav Fyske Tveit,
general secretary, Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations.
For detailed information on the two candidates, their CVs, a two and half pages biography
note and references are shared with each central committee member. In addition, the
candidates have been asked to present themselves to you and their vision for the future of
WCC and the ecumenical movement in fifteen minutes.
Conclusion
“Hope resides in togetherness ” - African proverb
As a search committee, we take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the central
committee for entrusting us with this important and challenging task. We thank all those
within the ecumenical movement, member churches and central committee that have
walked with us the journey and supported the process. The journey since the last central
committee has been long and one with great anticipation. Since our last meeting many
events have taken place such as the election of the president of the USA, the economic
food and energy crises etc. We are challenged to dream anew our vision, to re-think our
working style and ethos, our structures and more important our visibility if we have to
secure our common future.
God bless us and the ecumenical movement at large!
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 139
23 Appendix V - Finance overview
Results 2008 compared with budget
CHF 000
Unrestricted &
Restricted
Total
Designa
ted Fund
Fund
Dec
Budget
Dec
Budget
Dec
Budget
2008
08
2008
08
2008
08
Income
Membership & UDI
6,398
6,690
_
_
6,398
6,690
Programme contributions
-
-
25,807
26,508
25,807
26,508
Investment and currency
(1,071)
86
(1,835)
321
(2,906)
407
Rentals, sales & misc income
4,312
4,091
2,131
1,811
6,443
5,902
Distribution of unrestricted inc
(5,596)
(6,675)
5,596
6,675
-
-
Total Income
4,043
4,192
31,699
35,315
35,742
39,507
Expenditure
Direct programme costs: grants
43
40
5,743
6,070
5,786
6,110
Staff costs
4,380
4,602
13,555
14,142
17,935
18,744
All other programme costs & trfs
4,136
3,938
12,061
13,200
16,197
17,138
Total costs before redistribution
8,559
8,580
31,359
33,412
39,918
41,992
Redistributed costs
Total costs after redistribution
(4,133)
4,426
(4,713)
3,867
4,133
35,492
4,713
38,125
39,918
41,992
Surplus / (deficit)
(383)
325
(3,793)
(2,810)
(4,176)
(2,485)
Opening balance
24,163
24,138
19,851
19,979
44,014
44,117
Surplus/(deficit)
(383)
325
(3,793)
(2,810)
(4,176)
(2,485)
Closing balance
23,780
24,463
16,058
17,169
39,838
41,632
Results to July 2009 compared with Revised Budget 2009
Unresti
Designa
■icted &
ted Fund
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
July
2009
Revised
Budget
2009
July
2009
Re visd
Budget
2009
July
2009
Revised
Budget
2009
Income
Membership & UDI
3,584
6,048
-
-
3,584
6,048
Contributions
-
-
11 ,953
23,512
1 1,953
23,512
Investment and currency
345
30
366
-
71 1
30
Rentals, sales & misc income
2,479
4,058
1 ,1 1 7
1,869
3,596
5,927
Distribution of unrestricted inc
(3,436)
(6,041)
3,436
6,041
-
-
Total Income
2,972
4,095
16,872
31,422
19,844
35,517
Expenditure
Grants
-
40
2,036
4,175
2,036
4,215
Staff costs
2,708
4,694
7,924
13,765
10,632
18,459
All other programme costs & trfs
2,171
3,945
5,515
10,910
7,686
14,855
Total costs before redistribution
4,879
8,679
15,475
28,850
20,354
37,529
Redistributed costs
(2,728)
(4,677)
2,728
4,677
-
-
Total costs after redistribution
2,151
4,002
18,203
33,527
20,354
37,529
Surplus / (deficit)
821
93
(1,331)
(2,105)
(510)
(2,012)
Opening balance
23,780
23,780
16,058
16,058
39,838
39,838
Surplus/(deficit)
821
93
(1,331)
(2,105)
(510)
(2,012)
Closing balance
24,601
23,873
17,389
13,953
39,328
37,826
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 140
Balance Sheet July 2009
Assets
CHF 000s Related Obligation
CHF 000s
Net assets/
(obligations)
Land & buildings
41,345
Mortgage loans & long term
deferred income
24,065
17,280
Non-current asset
investments
8,200
Endowment Funds
7,217
983
Current asset
investments & cash
15,619
Programme Funds
4,868
10,751
Other current assets
1,313
Current liabilities
1,564
(251)
-
Long-term provisions
1,519
(1,519)
Total assets available after deducting obligations
27,244
Covering Reserves composed as follows:
Restricted Funds
Restricted Fund for Fixed Assets
Unrestricted & Designated Funds
Designated Programme Fund
Designated Fund for Fixed Assets
General Reserve
17,280
2,901
533
14,379
9.431 27,244
2009 Budget
In CHF millions
Funds & Reserves brought forward
Income
Membership & other unrestricted contribns
Programme contributions
Other Income
Total Income
Expenditure
Programme & other costs & transfers
Salaries
Total Expenditure
Net Income / Expenditure
lncrease/(dec) Restricted Funds
Increase /(dec) Unrestricted & Designated Funds
Funds & Reserves carried forward
2008
Approved
Budget 2009
Revised
Budget 2009
44.00
40.10
39.83
6.40
6.39
6.05
25.81
23.62
23.51
3.54
6.32
5.95
35.75
36.33
35.51
21.98
19.64
19.00
17.94
18.86
18.47
39.92
38.50
37.47
(4.17)
(2.17)
(1.96)
(3.79)
(0.38)
(2.21)
0.04
(2.06)
0.10
39.83
37.93
37.87
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 141
2010 draft budget
Revised
Framework
Draft budget
budget 2009
budget 2010
2010
(02/09)
In CHF millions
Funds & Reserves brought forward
39.83
37.95
37.87
Income
Membership & other unrestricted contribns
6.05
6.39
5.82
Programme contributions
23.51
22.28
21.86
Other Income
5.95
6.42
6.06
Total Income
35.51
35.09
33.74
Expenditure
Programme & other costs & transfers
19.00
18.06
16.85
Salaries
18.47
17.73
16.99
Total Expenditure
37.47
35.79
33.84
Net Income / Expenditure
(1.96)
(0.70)
(0.10)
lncrease/(dec) Restricted Funds
(2.06)
(1.40)
(0.45)
Increase /(dec) Unrestricted & Designated Funds
0.10
0.70
0.35
Funds & Reserves carried forward
37.87
37.25
37.77
Frameworks 2011 - 2012
In CHF millions
Funds & Reserves brought forward
Income
Membership & other unrestricted contributions
Programme contributions
IEPC
10th Assembly
Other Income
Total Income
Expenditure
Programme & other costs & transfers
Salaries
Total Expenditure
Net Income / Expenditure
lnc/(dec) Restricted Funds
lnc/(dec) Unrestricted & Designated Funds
Funds & Reserves carried forward
Actual
Results
2008
Revised
budget
2009
Draft
Budget
2010
Framework
Budget
2011
Framework
Budget
2012
44.00
39.83
37.87
37.77
38.83
6.40
25.71
0.10
3.54
35.75
6.05
23.30
0.12
0.09
5.95
35.51
5.82
21.60
0.17
0.09
6.06
33.74
6.00
22.87
1.80
0.76
7.21
38.64
6.17
22.66
3.50
7.36
39.69
21.98
17.94
39.92
19.00
18.47
37.47
16.85
16.99
33.84
20.30
17.28
37.58
18.43
17.45
35.88
(4.17)
(1.96)
(0.10)
1.06
3.81
(3.79)
(0.38)
39.83
(2.06)
0.10
37.87
(0.45)
0.35
37.77
0.76
0.30
38.83
3.51
0.30
42.64
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 142
24 Appendix VI - report of the presidents
Introduction
Who we are
The eight presidents are a diverse group of women and men, ordained and lay, who bring
together the perspectives of different cultures, different ecclesial traditions, different
languages. Between us we have much experience at the local, regional and international
levels of the ecumenical movement. We have each worked closely with different areas of
the World Council’s work over many years, some of us serving as members of the staff of
the WCC. According to the Constitution the role of the presidents is “to promote
ecumenism and to interpret the work of the WCC....” To interpret the work of the World
Council of Churches entails giving precise information about facts and critical issues. In
order to promote ecumenism , we understand we have a responsibility to propose
improvements in the structures and procedures that enable the work of the WCC. The
presidents are elected by the assembly from the member churches and serve as members
of the central committee.
Our Mandate
The central committee, at its meeting in Geneva in February, 2008, took the following
decision:
The central committee requests the presidents in consultation with the officers to
initiate a thorough evaluation of all the issues related to the process concerning the
possible extension of the term of the general secretary. Such an evaluation would seek
to increase confidence, transparency and trust, to identify gaps in the Council’s
internal processes and procedures, and to bring about truth, reconciliation and healing
within the fellowship of the World Council of Churches. The report of this evaluation
will be given to the executive committee in September 2008, and be communicated to
all central committee members.
Our process in carrying out our mandate
Our response to the decision of the central committee began already at the meeting of the
central committee in discussions we held with the officers and some members of the
central committee. The presidents met together in Bossey, 16-20 May, 2008. The fact that
the officers were also meeting at this time in Geneva meant that we could consult and pray
together in the Chapel at Bossey for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in carrying out our
work together. We wrote a letter to the staff of the WCC and members of the central
committee telling them of our time in Bossey.
The presidents are grateful for the consultation with the officers, some members of the
executive committee, as well as the times of sharing with some senior members of the
staff of the WCC, and for the honesty with which all spoke. We realize that in carrying
out our mandate we have added to the work of the general secretary, the moderator and
vice-moderators of the central committee, the moderator of the finance committee and
many of the senior staff and officers of the Council. The times we have spent together, as
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well as the written reports they have shared with us, have helped us to understand better
the events of the last months.
Our mandate speaks of carrying out our evaluation “in consultation with the officers.” We
and the officers have understood this to mean that nothing should be done without the
knowledge of the officers and that any results of our reflections should be shared with the
officers for comment before offering our evaluation to the executive committee and then
to the members of the central committee. We have attempted to share the progress of our
work with the officers at every stage and sought their comments, though the constraints of
time and opportunity have not always made this easy. We were concerned in our working
with the officers to show a model of consultative practice in working within the WCC. In
September, 2008, the presidents met together in Liibeck and once more met with the
officers, prior to the meeting of the executive committee.
The process relating to the extension of the contract of the general secretary
The presidents reviewed the events in the process undergone regarding the possible
extension of the contract of the general secretary. We have learnt that as a result of a
preliminary consultation at the meeting of the officers in May 2007, the moderator of the
central committee wrote to the general secretary inviting him to write a self assessment of
his performance as the general secretary.
As noted in the minutes of the executive committee in Armenia in September 2007, the
moderator shared the self assessment of the general secretary with the members of the
executive committee. He reported that there is no process for the renewal of the contract
of a general secretary laid down in the rules of the Council. It merely states that “the
general secretary shall be elected by the central committee.” It should be noted, however,
that past practice was for the moderators to discuss with the general secretary his
performance and then to make a recommendation to the executive committee and then to
the central committee. It is our understanding that this evaluation used the Job Description
as its criteria.
In light of the lack of a formal written process for evaluation, the moderator proposed a
course of action which entailed seeking representations from the members of the
executive committee and the presidents, prior to the meeting of the officers in December
2007. In the light of this the officers would prepare a recommendation to put before the
executive committee in February 2008. After discussion in the executive committee a
recommendation would be put to the central committee. The executive committee
endorsed the proposed process but noted that in future provision should be made in the
rules of the Council for the extension of a contract of a general secretary.
From September until the December officers’ meeting, the moderator followed the
process he had outlined to the executive committee, seeking responses from members of
the executive committee and from the presidents. He met with members of the Staff
Leadership Group and Directors of Programmes to discuss the work of the Council under
the leadership of the general secretary. Together with the vice-moderators, the moderator
met with Dr Sam Kobia asking about his self assessment and his willingness to continue.
On the basis of these discussions a proposal was formed to put to the executive
committee.
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Between December and February questions began to be raised about the PhD degree of
the general secretary from Fairfax University, Louisiana (no longer in existence). These
were brought to the attention of the moderator of the central committee and the moderator
of the finance committee. The moderator of the central committee brought the questions to
the attention of the general secretary, who was surprised with them. Upon research, with
the collaboration of the general secretary, it became clear that the degree is invalid. The
general secretary, on the basis of an advertisement in The Guardian newspaper in 2000,
was enrolled to the programme in October 2002 and was awarded the PhD degree in
February 2004, but Fairfax University, Louisiana had agreed on 24 August 2000 “to
discontinue operations immediately... as an academic degree-granting institution” (cf.
minutes of the Board of Regents of the State of Louisiana). Questions relating to the
degree were reported in the press on 5 February 2008. This raised considerable
speculation about the precise details of the matter and their significance. There were
differing opinions about the importance of the issue or whether it had any relevance at all
in relation to the extension of the contract of the general secretary. The general secretary
had been appointed to his post before receiving this doctoral graduate degree. Reactions to
the matter of the degree varied considerably according to the particular academic culture
people came from. Too easily people became suspicious of one another and accusations
were made.
On 17 February Dr Sam Kobia shared with the central committee his decision not to seek
a second term of service at the end of his current term on 3 1 December 2008. He
expressed profound gratitude to all who had sought to encourage him in recent days, and
urged them now to support his decision. After considerable discussion the central
committee received, with regret, the decision of the general secretary not to seek a second
term and expressed its gratitude for all he had contributed to the work of the Council.
During the discussions a significant number of the central committee expressed disquiet
concerning the lack of information shared with them in the process of coming to a mind
about how to respond to Dr Kobia’ s decision. A significant number of members expressed
support for Dr Kobia’ s response to crisis situations around the world and gratitude for his
visits to the regions. The central committee went on to instruct the executive committee
“to create a working group on governance, accountability and staff policy.”
In reviewing these events in detail we have learnt things about the particular process
concerning the possible extension of the term of office of the general secretary, but also,
more generally, about the weaknesses in the Rules and procedures of the Council itself.
Some of these we note had already been identified by the executive committee and the
central committee.
We recognize that under the complex and totally unexpected series of events, mistakes
and misjudgements may have been made in the process of considering the extension of the
contract of Dr Sam Kobia. There is no doubt about the commitment of the general
secretary, the moderator and vice-moderators, and other leaders to the ecumenical
movement. All have acted believing that their actions were taken in the best interest of the
World Council of Churches. We recognize the difficulty that confidentiality raises in a
process of making an assessment for such high office when not all matters are appropriate
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for sharing. We make the following comments on the process in the hope that new
procedures may be put in place within the Rules of the WCC for guidance in the future.
• In any international organisation those involved in governance and as staff come from
different contexts and bring with them differing expectations about how processes
work. It is, therefore, of great importance that details about processes, in particular for
appointing staff and for extensions of contracts, are clearly stated in the rules of the
organisation and easily understood by all.
• Communicating across continents is not always a simple or swift matter even in this
age of internet access (e-mails are sometimes not received; postal mail is sometimes
late etc...). Care, therefore, needs to be taken to ensure all understand the processes
being followed, what their particular role in the process is, that the time lines
involved are adequate, and that structures of accountability in the process are clear.
• In the case of the WCC there is the need to be clear about the relation between the
staff and those involved in governance - the officers and the executive and central
committees. The staff, the officers and the governing bodies need to understand the
processes relating to staffing appointments or extension of contracts. The presidents,
the officers, the central committee and the executive committee need to understand
their particular responsibilities and the time lines involved in any particular
appointment or extension of contract under review. Each body needs to be given the
appropriate information for making the decision it is asked to take. This requires
adequate briefing of new officers and members of the executive and central
committees after each assembly. All institutions tend to suffer from a loss of
continuing memory, and the WCC is no exception.
• In evaluating the performance of Dr Sam Kobia for consideration of the extension of
his contract, we observed that it was not helpful that there are no existing guidelines
or structures of accountability in place for the monitoring or assessing of the
performance of a general secretary. Historically, there have not been adequate
guidelines relating to salary and benefits, travel and expenses, and procedures for
claiming expenses back. Current fiscal practice, however, requires a new level of
accountability in all organisations. To whom is a general secretary accountable? Who
is it that should do on-going appraisals? Should it be the moderator of the central
committee or the moderator together with the vice-moderators? To whom should their
appraisal be communicated? What personal support mechanisms are there in place for
a general secretary and to whom should a general secretary turn for more pastoral
guidance and care? The WCC Constitution says that the general secretary is Chief
Executive Officer of the WCC and Head of Staff. As an officer of the Council, the
general secretary is accountable to the centra! committee. But it is not possible for a
general secretary to report to such a body for ongoing oversight of his/her work. We
note that work is currently being done on guidelines and control mechanisms and
more detailed staff rules. We regard this as an urgent task which should include
examining policies and procedures of other comparable non-governmental
organisations.
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• Because of the lack of guidelines for contract renewal the process of evaluation in the
case of Dr Kobia may have omitted some strategic performance factors (e.g.
administrative skills, communication skills, relationships with the churches, relations
with ecumenical funding agencies or Specialised Ministries, decisions taken
concerning ACT Development, relations with Christian World Communions, the
overall financial success of the Council, the strengthening of relations of member
churches, and the relations with boards and staff.) What weight should be placed on
these various areas of a general secretary’s responsibilities? It is clear that no one
person can excel in all areas. The entire central committee should be included in the
evaluation process.
• We in the WCC, a large multi-cultural, multi-lingual, multi-ecclesial organisation can
find ourselves trapped in “a tyranny of time.” In this instance the leadership was not
able to slow down the process during the meeting of the central committee. In the
future we should ensure that judgements are not made under too much pressure of
time. Such decisions should not be made at meetings that go late into the night.
Adequate time needs to be taken to allow for the fact that many are not working in
their first language and time for meditation and prayer should be taken. It may be that
more than the space of nine months is required for a process that involves such
widespread consultation.
Towards reconciliation and healing within the fellowship of the WCC
The task given to the presidents speaks about bringing about “truth, reconciliation and
healing” within the fellowship of the WCC. Reconciliation and healing can only come
when we concentrate on what is right and wrong, what is justice and injustice.
Whatever decisions are taken about the best way forward, or the introduction of clearer
guidelines for the future, we are aware that many people have been hurt in the recent
process. Even things done with the best intentions have sometimes had hurtful
consequences for others. This has resulted in a breakdown of mutual trust and the
development of a culture of suspicion. All too readily, unjust accusations have been made
and situations have been too easily interpreted as a division between north and south. Staff
have felt they have not been kept informed and have feared the growth of a “culture of
investigation.”
The central committee was right to emphasize the need for repentance, reconciliation and
healing. Seeking reconciliation and healing is not an optional extra for those who seek to
follow Christ and a Gospel of reconciliation. We recommend that the way of
reconciliation be followed from now on with a renewal of our attitudes to one another, a
willingness to think the best of one another, and a determination to rebuild trust.
Reconciliation requires a readiness to listen to how events have been experienced by
others and to the hurt they have received. We note that the Special Commission modelled
a way of deep listening to the concerns of the Orthodox which led to a more confident
iiving together in the fellowship of Churches.
The process of reconciliation and healing includes self criticism, repentance, prayer and
forgiveness. This must occur among the presidents, the officers, the central committee, the
executive committee and the staff. Only when we are all given to reconciliation and
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healing of broken and damaged relations shall we, as the privileged instrument of the
ecumenical movement, be fit to serve the one ecumenical movement - only the reconciled
can become agents of reconciliation in the churches and in the world. We suggest that for
any process of reconciliation and healing we need a deep spirituality to help us through
our differences and conflicts, (cf 2 Cor 5:1 7-20)
Recommendations for the future
We offer the following suggestions for the future:
• Greater clarity needs to be agreed upon concerning the appropriate division of
responsibilities between governance and management within the WCC.
• There is nothing in the Constitution or Rules that sets out the role of moderator or
vice-moderators of the central committee. The respective tasks and responsibilities of
the moderator and vice-moderators and their relation to the general secretary should
be clearly delineated and set out in the Rules of the WCC. The specific role of the
moderator and the joint responsibility and close cooperation of the moderator with the
vice-moderators must be addressed.
• The executive committee needs to be helped to understand the processes it is
responsible for and for there to be greater transparency in the difficult items on the
agenda. Similarly, the central committee needs to be given sufficient information to
make judgements it is called upon to make. It is all too easy to assume that processes
are fully understood and that people have all the relevant information they require to
make decisions.
• The relationship between the moderator and the general secretary needs to be made
more explicit (cf. Rule XII.2). To whom is the general secretary responsible and how
should he/she be held accountable, for example, in matters of finance and travel? A
system of appraisal by appropriate person/s needs to be set in place.
• There needs to be a review of the internal mechanisms of financial controls for all
staff, including for the general secretary, with clear lines of accountability for
expenditure and stronger mechanisms of financial control.
• The role of moderators of committees of the central committee, especially in the
period between central committee meetings, needs to be clarified. There needs to be a
clear understanding of the relation of moderators of the various commissions and
consultative bodies of the Council to the staff and the lines of communication that
should be followed when information is sought about any particular staff member.
This should only be done with the knowledge of the general secretary. In the case of
the general secretary, the procedure should be spelled out in conjunction with the
questions raised above, and attention should be given to the legal issues involved.
• There needs to be a review made of the processes of evaluation of requests for
development programmes by all members of staff, including the general secretary.
When all staff undertake a process of training this needs to be reviewed at regular
intervals by accepted procedures.
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• There need to be guidelines in the rules of the WCC for both the process and the time
line for reviewing the extension of a contract of a general secretary and clear
guidance on proper process.
• In any staff appointment, including that of the general secretary, or any discussion of
an extension of contract, the relationship between the role of the executive committee
and the central committee should be clearly understood. The central committee, as
well as the executive committee, should have sufficient information in order to make
an informed judgement.
• It may be that now is the time for there to be a review of the governance structures of
the WCC, with someone from outside the WCC acting as an adviser. We welcome
the decision of the central committee “to create a working group on governance,
accountability and staff policy.”
• The presidents are elected by the assembly as presidents and not as honorary
presidents. There is nothing in the Rules that sets out the concrete tasks in the
structure for the presidents. What is the relation of the presidents to the moderator and
vice-moderators of the central committee and what is their role in relationship to the
central and executive committees? Until Harare, the presidents were members of the
executive committee. Since the role of the presidents is at times to take on a special
task for the central committee then this should be set down in the rules of the WCC.
We believe that if the above suggestions and recommendations are addressed, the Council
may in future avoid some of the confusion of the last months. We believe it necessary to
strengthen the Constitution and Rules in the ways we have indicated. It is vital for the one
ecumenical movement that a World Council of Churches is enabled to function securely
and confidently. It is also important that there are good relationships between the staff and
the officers and members of the governing bodies, based on confidence, transparency and
trust.
We offer these reflections aware of the responsibility that the central committee entrusted
to us. It is our prayer that the process of reconciliation and healing that we believe we
have already been a part of will continue in the life of the executive committee and the
central committee.
A possible way forward
The central committee has taken the decision to accept the wish of the general secretary
not to seek an extension of his contract. We, the presidents, note from the minutes of the
closed session of the executive committee that there was a recommendation “to extend the
contract of the Reverend Dr Samuel Kobia to serve as general secretary until such time as
a new general secretary has been elected and taken office.” (cf. executive committee
minutes of February 2008, section 13.4) In the context of our report, to assist
reconciliation and healing within the fellowship of the WCC, the presidents see this as a
possible way forward.
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Triune God,
illuminate our mind, strengthen our will
to do always your will, not ours.
Give us your grace to work firmly for
justice, reconciliation and peace,
for your glory.
Amen
Archbishop (Prof. Dr) Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, Primate of Albania
Mr John Doom
Pasteur Simon K. Dossou
Dr Soritua Albert Ernst Nababan
Rev. Dr Ofelia Ortega Suarez
Aba Paulos I, Patriarch of Ethiopia
Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson
Dame Mary Tanner
25 Appendix VII - report of the governance group
1 Introduction
El The importance of good governance for a well-functioning organization such as
the WCC should never be underestimated. The need for good governance is a
recognized priority worldwide and is for us a matter of good stewardship. The
concerns of this report may sound dry and technical. Some of them are. But the
report has far reaching implications, because it is the working group’s (the
group’s) conviction that the present governance structures of the WCC are
unsustainable. Although the report does make adjustments to rules and
procedures designed to improve the way the present structures work, it also
argues that the financial situation and the changing ecumenical scene require a
more fundamental revision. Whether one likes it or not, change is needed, and is
needed soon. The WCC can neither afford governance structures that cost an
average 700,000 CEIF per year, nor fail to reflect changing roles, partnerships
and priorities in the way it is governed. Among the key recommendations is a
fundamental review to be undertaken between this and the next central
committee in consultation with churches, partners and other stakeholders, to
continue the work begun by the group.
1 .2 The group, whose formal title is the working group on governance,
accountability and staff policy, held three formal meetings during the period
from February to July 2009. Its composition and full remit are given at Annex 1.
The WCC central committee had directed its formation (WCC central committee,
minutes of the fifty-seventh session, Geneva, February 2008, p.71); the
September 2008 executive committee established its parameters, with the terms
of reference and composition of the group approved by the officers in December
2008. The group has communicated on an interim basis with the executive
committee and with the officers, issuing interim reports following its February
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and June meetings, and engaging the officers and members of the executive
committee through a questionnaire as the work developed.
1 .3 An open, transparent and constructive forward-looking atmosphere characterized
the work of the group as it explored the situations that gave rise to some of the
issues presented to the committee. The group identified areas where the
governing bodies, officers and staff would have been provided with additional
guidance had the existing documentation assured a common understanding of
roles, responsibility, accountability and appropriate oversight.
1.4 The group faced something of a dilemma. It was established to deal with issues
that had emerged in the present system of governance, with the anticipation that
these would be dealt with over time by rule changes and constitutional changes at
a future central committee and at the forthcoming assembly. When it looked at
the financial situation, however, and heard the impatience of some of the major
funding bodies with the slow pace of change, it reached the conclusion that
fundamental change could not wait that long. It is for that reason that it is
recommending that central committee ask the executive to find ways of moving
with all haste.
2 Brief history of WCC governance
2.1 Fundamental constitutional and governance questions about the WCC were
decided in Utrecht in 1938 and ratified by the first assembly in Amsterdam ten
years later.
“The first assembly... defined the tasks of the council in a general way
in its constitution and in a more specific manner in its decisions
concerning the policy and programme of the council...
The supervision of the work of the WCC was entrusted to the central
committee, chosen by the assembly from among the delegates and
representatives of the main confessions and the various geographical
areas. Whereas the central committee met once a year, the executive
committee met twice a year. Although the central committee had the
right to change the membership of the executive committee at each
session, in practice it sought to preserve continuity and made very few
changes.
The chairman and vice-chairman of the central committee, holding the
same positions in the executive committee, were constantly in touch
with the general secretariat about major developments, and provided the
necessary link between the committees and the staff. The first assembly
also elected an honorary president and six presidents. This pattern of
leadership and committees has not been changed, except that since
Vancouver 1983 the WCC has seven presidents”.1
cf Rules, By-laws, Mandates and Programmes, Compiled by Ans Van de Bent, WCC, Geneva, 1987, p. iv.
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2.2 While the governance structure of the council remained quite stable throughout
the years (probably with the exception of the size of the central and executive
committee increasing in numbers to accommodate the representatives or rapidly
increasing numbers of member churches), the organizational
(programmatic/operational) structure had been reviewed and changed practically
after each assembly. Similarly, while the governance structures remained quite
stable there has been a substantial turnover in their membership following each
assembly.
2.3 The first assembly also included in the governance structures: boards, working
groups, advisory groups and commissions, the latter affirming the fact that the
council “incorporates the work of the world movements for Faith and Order and
Life and Work, the International Missionary Council, and the World Council of
Christian Education”.2 Some of these commissions existed before the formation
of the WCC.
2.4 The most substantial changes in the WCC governance were introduced at the
time of the eighth assembly in Harare, 1998, as a result of the policy document
Common understanding and vision of the WCC (CUV), received by the assembly.
These changes addressed three inter-related areas:
• the programme and management structure for the work of the WCC, envisaging
the council as “a single administrative whole”; 3
• the decision-making processes for programme policy, leading to the creation of a
programme committee with its mandate being defined by the assembly; and
• the by-laws of the commissions, advisory groups and boards, adapting them to
the new flow of decision-making.4
2.5 Particularly significant for the governance of the council were two processes,
both inspired from and grounded in CUV, associated respectively with the eighth
assembly (1998) in Harare and the ninth assembly in Porto Alegre (2006). The
former focused on the need for a “new architecture for the ecumenical
movement”, explored ways for the reconfiguration of the movement, and tried to
look at conceptual and structural changes for ecumenical organizations, starting
with the WCC. The latter concentrated on the major challenges of “ecumenism in
the 2 1st century” and called for a broad partnership in order to face these
challenges together within the rapidly changing ecumenical and ecclesial
landscape.
2.6 Both led to remarkable ecumenical and institutional changes (e.g. the creation of
the Global Christian Forum, the concept of an “expanded space” for WCC
assemblies), but they had very little impact on governance. The chart at Annex 2
outlines the present governance structure.
° WCC Constitution, Article III
3
cf Minutes of the central committee 1997
4 cf Minutes of the central committee 1999
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3 Approach to the remit
3.1 The group sought to mingle urgency with thoroughness, taking a variety of
approaches to the task, and building on work that had gone before. In structural
terms, that meant responding to the change confirmed at the last assembly that
united the governance of the WCC into a single structure where commissions and
consultative groups are understood as advisory and no longer directly related to
governance. In vision terms, it meant responding to the insights of the CUV
process, the report of the special commission and the work of the continuation
committee on ecumenism in the 21st century, stressing the identity of the WCC as
a fellowship of churches, while providing a governance structure designed to
enable the council effectively to “live that fellowship” as its role adapts to the
polycentric ecumenical environment.
3.2 Whilst aware that the group’s task was prompted by particular issues that arose
around the last meeting of the central committee, the group chose not to look at
these in isolation, but rather to set them in the context of a fresh look at the
structures as a whole. The group feared that otherwise it might fix one element
only to shift the pressure elsewhere.
3.3 So with the help of consultants from KPMG, the group sought to explore current
thinking about good governance in public sector and not-for-profit organizations
and to assess the governance of the WCC in the light of it. This proved an
immensely fruitful process and came to undergird much of what is said in this
report.
3.4 As already mentioned, this work was undertaken at a time when the signs of the
times suggested that many of the ways in which the WCC currently works will
become unsustainable. Financial pressures challenge the cost of maintaining
current governing structures. The shifting ecumenical scene, and the rise of new
agencies undertaking work that might once have been undertaken directly by the
WCC, call for a flexible governance model. Consequently the group did its best
to set its work in a longer term framework, creating the basis for a governance
structure for tomorrow’s WCC, not just today’s.
3.5 In being open to fresh approaches, however, the group remained aware of its
mandate and also its responsibility to remain true to the constitutional
understanding of the WCC, defining both what the WCC is, a fellowship of
churches, and what it is for , maintaining the coherence of the ecumenical
movement.
4 Current thinking on good governance
4.1 A distinction can be drawn between four dimensions of the process of running an
organization: governance, management, advice and implementation.
4.1.1 Governance is the dimension that takes responsibility for an organization’s life.
Its key elements are:
• Identity, vision and mission: identifying what the organization is and is for.
• Strategy: setting and reviewing the broad strategic goals.
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• Accountability: holding staff accountable for what they do, ensuring
accountability to the broader membership, and ensuring the activities remain true
to the defined self-understanding and ethos.
• Resources: bringing together the human, physical and financial resources the
organization needs and ensuring they are properly deployed.
• Compliance: ensuring that the organization behaves properly, obeys the law and
follows its own constitution and rules.
• Management of risk: assessing the risks (including financial risks) the
organization faces and ensuring there are strategies in place to handle them.
• Appointment and management of the most senior staff.
4. 1 .2 Management is the day-to-day business of running the organization. In a large
organization like the WCC it is delegated to senior staff. Its key elements are:
• Turning the strategic plan into objectives and activities.
• Providing leadership, creativity and drive to the life of the organization.
• Proposing, controlling and monitoring the budget.
• Deploying the available resources efficiently and effectively.
• Communication, both within the organization and outside it.
• Fulfilling accountability to the bodies responsible for governance.
• Appointing and managing the staff.
4.1.3 Advice is what is sought from specialists who are not themselves decision-makers
or managers. It may be sought at any of the three levels - governance,
management or implementation. Good use of advice requires both clarity from
those seeking it as to what is required and good communication and dialogue
between those providing it and those expected to take account of it. In the
structures of the WCC, consultative bodies such as commissions can feel quite
divorced from the central committee they are meant to advise, not least because
their advice is always filtered through a sub-committee.
4.1.4 Implementation is the task of more junior managers and their staff. It is the
process of carrying out the activities and working towards the objectives defined
by senior management, while working within the limits of the defined budget and
staffing structure. It can and should be done creatively and collaboratively, with
suggestions flowing up to management as well as instructions coming down, but
it works always within the limits and towards the strategic goals and policies
defined by governance and the objectives and activities defined by management.
4.2 Governing bodies should not seek to manage, but should leave management to
the senior staff, while ensuring that the policies and strategy are in place to
provide the parameters for what the staff do. Some of the current governance
bodies - the programme committee, for example - find themselves expected to
play a management role regarding the deployment of resources that they cannot
fulfil. On the other hand, staff should also respect the distinct roles of
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governance, and not be put in positions where they are expected to contribute as
though they were members of a governing body. The lack of distinction at some
meetings between staff and members (especially where staff are present in large
numbers) can lead to members not recognising fully the extent to which
decisions and good judgment remain their responsibility.
4.3 In this understanding, the role of governing bodies is to focus on policy.
Governing bodies set the ethos, policies and objectives; management works out
how to deliver them. Governing bodies set the guidelines and limits within which
staff work and the outcomes they expect them to deliver - and they carefully
hold them accountable for delivering those outcomes. This changes the emphasis
from receiving and approving proposals to a more active role of objective setting
and evaluating.
4.4 For such an understanding to work, a number of things are needed:
• A clear, single line of authority and accountability. WCC structures at present
sometimes confuse this line, for instance where the programme committee and
the executive committee can appear to have parallel responsibilities for elements
of programme work.
• A clear schedule defining the responsibilities delegated to each level of
governance. There should be no responsibilities allocated simultaneously to
different bodies, nor responsibilities that fluctuate between two levels, as
currently happens with the budget, handled in alternate years by central
committee and the executive.
• A clear definition of each personal role in governance. At present many roles,
including those of moderator and vice-moderator, remain largely undefined. Nor
is there any clear definition of what is expected of a member of central
committee itself.
• A single point of responsibility from management to governance, focused in a
chief executive. This does not rule out links between people in governance and
staff for purposes of creative thinking and shared engagement, but it does mean
no one should be able to short-circuit the line of management responsibility by
by-passing the chief executive or developing improper patronage or grievance
routes.
• Transparent structures that maximise communication between staff,
management, governance and membership, both before and after decision¬
making.
4.5 Important as these are, they need to be undergirded by an atmosphere of trust and
good relationships. The WCC is a body where there are inevitably competing
interests and concerns over power. The group believes that a lack of clear
definition of roles and responsibilities feeds distrust. Interests need to be
translated into guidelines if those who hold them are to trust others, and to have a
proper basis to hold them to account. This is particularly important in a multi¬
cultural environment like the WCC, where the unwritten rules and assumptions
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that might naturally apply in one culture cannot be taken for granted. Only
through written guidelines can all be confident that it is understood how things
are to be done.
4.6 This emphasis on agreed definition, procedures and outcomes puts a premium on
the arrangements for the audit function. This function concerns not only finance,
but focuses on ensuring that procedures are being correctly followed, guidelines
adhered to, instructions carried out, risks managed and policies implemented. It
needs to be accountable to the governing body and independent of those it
scrutinizes. It should normally include an independent element. Best practice
suggests some changes to the remit of the present audit committee to separate it
completely from the finance committee and strengthen its accountability to the
executive committee. It would be appointed directly by the executive committee
and include, in addition to the independent external appointees, at least two
members of that committee. Ideally these two should not be members of any
other committee - and to retain their independence should certainly not be
members of the finance committee. A revised remit is described in Annex 4.
4.7 It is a governance responsibility to ensure that the organization has the staff
required to undertake the tasks the governing body has assigned and that they are
structured coherently to serve the mission of the organization. It is also a
governance responsibility to determine the general terms and conditions under
which they work, overseeing the formulation and implementation of staff rules
and regulations, including ethical and whistle-blowing policies. In the
increasingly complex world of employment law and practice, it is important that
adequate time and expertise is given to the governance role in human resources.
Good practice would suggest the creation of a personnel committee to oversee
constant improvement in this area, implementation of management by objectives
and performance appraisals, including for the general secretary. Given the
expectation, outlined later in this report, that WCC staff numbers will continue to
contract, this is likely to be of particular importance in the coming years. The
group recommends the appointment of a personnel committee by the executive
committee with the remit described in Annex 5. Certain additional
recommendations of the group anticipate the existence of such a personnel
committee with this mandate.
4.8 The WCC is unusual in having a three-level governance structure (assembly,
central committee and executive committee); most international organizations
have only two levels. Typically they divide the governance functions as follows:
4.8.1 TOP LEVEL
• Is the highest authority, but delegates all but major decisions
• Defines or approves the organization’s vision, mission and high-level
organizational goals, and operating principles
• Appoints the (decision-making) lower level Governing Body
• Is informed of strategy and of organization’s performance in carrying it out
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• Evaluates performance of Governing Body/receives report on (facilitated) self-
evaluation
4.8.2 LOWER LEVEL
• Principal decision-making body under mandate of top level
• Sets strategic direction for organization (decides strategic plan in line with
vision/mission...)
• Monitors implementation of strategy and organizational performance
• Decides tolerance for risk
• Exercises oversight
• Appoints committees
• Appoints CEO of organization
• Seeks advice of independent, external experts
• Provides appropriate disclosure to assembly and other relevant stakeholders
• Discloses personal and financial matters that might give rise to conflict of
interest
• Creates and updates succession plans for itself and for committees
• Reports on its performance
4.9 Allocating these functions between the three WCC levels means taking account
of:
• which body is most appropriate in terms of its access to the necessary knowledge
of the organization and its activities;
• which body is the most appropriate size for the task, given the general rule that
the more detailed the governance issue, the smaller the number of people who
should be engaged in handling it;
• which body has the relevant skills and awareness of the constituency needed for
the kind of question at issue.
4.10 Strict governance issues, however, are not the only ones of which the WCC
needs to take account. Governance has also to reflect the organization’s self¬
understanding; how the council structures its life itself contains messages about
how it sees its nature, values and role.
4. 1 1 The group recommends that the present understanding where the executive
committee and central committee have effectively the same responsibilities (the
former exercising them in the gaps between meetings of the latter) be replaced by
one which defines which functions are most appropriately retained by the central
committee and which formally delegated to the executive committee. This is
discussed further in section 7, and a proposed allocation of responsibilities can be
found in paragraphs 7.8.2 and 7.8.3.
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5 Responding to CUV
5.1 The WCC will always want to think theologically as well in terms of
organizational principle. A number of processes in recent years have engaged in
theological reflection. The group has sought to uncover the governance
implications of their work.
5.1.1 The process leading to the policy statement on Common Understanding and
Vision of the WCC drew a clear distinction between “living the fellowship” and
“running the organization”, opening at the same time new avenues for looking at
the ecumenical movement as a whole and the role of the WCC within such a
polycentric reality.
5.1.2 The assembly discernment committee (ADC) has offered a proposal to embody
the dynamism of the entire ecumenical movement in the next assembly, creating
a new “expanded space” for members who are committed to “living the
fellowship”, churches that are not members of the WCC and ecumenical partners.
The ADC is apparently fully aware that, while the integrity of the assembly as a
constitutional body should be maintained, decision-making should be looked at
in different, new and creative, ways, especially regarding nominations and
elections.
5.1.3 There have been attempts, following the eighth assembly,5 to look at the central
committee as a privileged place where theological discernment, creative thinking,
mutual learning and celebration could take place. Focusing on shaping strategic
goals and policies would be the most appropriate role for the central committee
as a governing body. Such a mandate would certainly strengthen the fellowship,
allowing member churches to “live and practice the fellowship”, coming
together, reflecting together, speaking together to the world, praying together.
5.2 In addition, the need for the executive committee to focusing on strategic
planning, monitoring, handling resources, and managing risk had been affirmed
in various ways and at various occasions (both by funding ecumenical partners
and member churches) in order to ensure a more responsible, more efficient and
more accountable way of “running the organization”.
5.3 The diagram in Annex 5 tries to capture these distinctions as a line running
through every part of the WCC, but with some bodies far more to the “living the
fellowship” side of the line and others with the emphasis on “running the
organization”.
6 Responding to the changing times
6.1 In order to keep up and strengthen the unique role of the WCC as a global
“fellowship of churches” in a world where the churches’ presence and voice is so
much needed, the governance of the WCC should take seriously into
consideration certain imperatives, emerging from within the institution, the wider
5
cf. post-Harare documents and minutes of the executive and central committees.
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ecumenical context and the world at large. Here are some examples, chosen only
from those that have governance implications.
6.2 Internal challenges
• A proportionate institutional architecture : the budget, the range of operational
activities and number of staff have dramatically decreased over the years. The
size and frequency of meetings for governance must be adapted to the current
situation. It can hardly be expected that member churches and specialised
ministries, that will have to cut in their own staff, will be able to support the
WCC at the same level as before - or will even be willing to do so - if the WCC
continues to maintain its present heavy governance structures, that cost an
estimated 700,000 CHF per year.
• A clear commitment to the fellowship : the active participation of members of
governing bodies in strategies for securing the necessary financial resources for
the viability of the organization (e.g. membership contributions), in requirements
related to institutional needs (e.g. letters from the general secretariat; from
working groups appointed by the governance for programme evaluation, etc.),
and not least in taking concrete financial responsibilities (e.g. covering expenses
for participation in governance meetings) are necessary components for
strengthening both the “fellowship of churches” and the credibility of the
“institution”.
• A clear expression of responsibility and transparency : the governance should
take seriously the challenges of good practice in governance across all sectors
(e.g. governments, NGOs, etc.), build transparent lines of accountability, and
prove effective management.
• A new profile for WCC governance’, some member churches and specialized
ministries are pointing to the fact that what the WCC requires in terms of
governance is a light body of qualified, committed and wise leaders, chosen from
the wealth of leaders the “fellowship of member churches” can provide, to give
guidance to the “institution” (including the staff), but - above all - to serve the
fellowship in being the voice of the churches as it responds to and speaks to the
world of our days.
6.3 Wider ecumenical challenges
• A new way of looking at the regions : The current trends among some member
churches, church-related organizations and specialised ministries to decentralise
their diaconal work by creating regional or national offices in the global south is
leading to drawing more and more of their resources, their focus and their
attention to these regional and national realities. This could redirect the attention
(as well as resources) available for action and actors at the global level.
• A new distribution of ecumenical tasks’. The birth of global networks that begun
to coordinate and strengthen the work of the specialized ministries and their
partners in the global south (such as ACT International, the Ecumenical
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Advocacy Alliance and ACT Development) drew the interest of the specialized
ministries which now invest in them rather than in the councils of churches.
• New ecumenical initiatives : The Global Christian Forum emerges as a new
model for coming together and witnessing to the world, with a number of
fundamental questions addressed to the models and practices of ecumenism that
have developed in the last decades.
• A new way of expressing the strength and potential of the fellowship : Many
member churches are taking on their own ecumenical initiatives, including bi¬
lateral dialogues, developing a number of ecumenical projects, and are dealing
directly with matters also addressed ecumenically (e.g. climate change, inter¬
religious dialogue, etc.). This is yet another indication that resources previously
available at the global level may also decrease and that new ways of sharing
responsibilities and manifesting the fellowship are needed.
6.4 External challenges
• The current global situation : As a “fellowship of churches” and an institution
operating at the global level, the WCC has maintained governance structures that
are increasingly less responsive to the current global context.
• The present economic crisis: The WCC, being part of the global reality, will
seriously suffer from the economic changes, which have already affected
practically all member churches, partner ecumenical organizations and,
particularly, those who bear the greatest responsibility for funding the WCC.
• The growing secular interest in the ecumenical agenda : Governments, NGOs,
and numerous other actors from the secular world at the global, regional, and
national level, are increasingly involved with matters on the ecumenical agenda
(e.g. inter-religious dialogue and relationships, reconciliation, climate change,
not least the spiritual dimension of economic justice, etc.). This affects the
availability of resources and raises questions about the unique role the WCC is
expected to play at the global level as a “fellowship of churches”.
• The decline in membership of mainstream churches in the secularising West:
This is, of course, primarily a mission challenge, but in the context of governance
it points to a continuing decline in income and resources from the churches that
have traditionally been the major sources of funds.
• The climate change crisis: The carbon footprint of governance meetings,
consultative and other encounters, as well as staff travel is significant and should
be considered in any evaluation of the WCC’s institutional culture.
7 Proposals for immediate change
7.1 As indicated in the introduction, the group has a number of proposals for
immediate change as well as issues for consideration in the future. The proposals
for immediate change are designed to improve the way present structures work
while not obstructing - and sometimes paving the way for - further change in the
suggested direction.
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7.2 Basic Institutional Roles of the WCC
In undertaking this work, the group was resourced by earlier work by the
executive and central committees and by staff as well as by various committees
and individual feedback since the 2008 central committee that identified areas of
the current WCC structures and leadership roles and processes that are not well
defined by the existing WCC rules. These resources included, among many
others, the document “Consolidated Presentation of Governance Issues”6 and the
central committee document “Functions of the Governing Bodies”7. In some
cases, procedures can be found articulated in the constitution or rules of the
WCC, in some cases in minutes of meetings of predecessor central committees,
as in the case of the search for, and election of, a general secretary8, or in
decisions of the executive committee, as in the Audit Committee Mandate9. In
other cases, processes and roles were undertaken based upon institutional
memory of unwritten traditional practices. Because “best practice” for
institutions such as the WCC, with diverse regional and cultural governance
bodies, is to articulate with clarity in the governing documents the specific roles
and responsibilities of the various leadership positions, governing bodies,
committees and advisory bodies, the group offers some concrete
recommendations for immediate emendations of the rules either within the body
of the rules or as appendices.
7.3 The gen era l secretary
7.3.1 The general secretary is the chief executive officer of the WCC, with articulation
of this role expressed minimally in the rules.10 The general secretary has primary
responsibility to provide leadership to the WCC, including as representative of
the WCC as the “privileged” instrument of the ecumenical movement, and also
as head of staff, with authority to delegate his or her responsibilities as necessary.
The general secretary also is one of the officers of the WCC, which functions as
the business committee of the central and executive committees. The specific
short term recommendations of the group include proposals for revised and
additional language in the rules regarding the office of the general secretary,
including emphasising the authority to delegate, and reference to a new appendix
6 Staff document, Consolidated Presentation of Governance Issues. January, 2009.
7 WCC Central committee, 30 August to 6 September 2006. Document No. GEN 07; WCC Executive
committee, 9 -- 10 September 1997, Document No. 1.2.
!8
Selection of Search Committee including “Additional Procedures,” Minutes of Central committee, January
1987, Appendix V; “Procedures for the Election of the general secretary”, Central committee Minutes, August
1992, Appendix III.
£
“Audit Committee Mandate”, Executive committee, Finance Sub-Committee, Etchmiadzin, Armenia, 25-28
September 2007
10 Rules. Article XII. Staff 2. “The general secretary shall be elected by the central committee. He or she is the
chief executive officer of the World Council. As such, he or she is the head of staff. When the position of general
secretary becomes vacant, the executive committee shall appoint an acting general secretary.”; Article VI.
Central committee 2. officers (b) regarding role as an officer.; Article VI. Central committee 3. Meetings (b)
egarding role in assuring balances.
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to the Riles. The new appendix to the rules collects and clarifies current practices
around the search process, as well as procedures for performance appraisals, mid¬
term evaluation of the general secretary and the mechanism to handle breaches of
the Code of Ethics regarding the general secretary. The proposed changes to this
and other sections of the rules can be found in Annex 6.
7.3.2 Appraisals and the mid-term evaluation must be conducted against stated
expectations. The specific “roles and responsibilities of the general secretary”
were articulated in a document accompanying the 2008/2009 search process,
affirmed by the central committee and fonning the basis for the applications of
candidates for the position.1 ’The staff rules and staff regulations further elaborate
specific functions of the general secretary related to WCC staff and would be
relevant measures as well. Normally, appraisals of a chief executive also measure
performance against stated management objectives. There is currently no process
for establishing specific management objectives for the general secretary; this
would be an appropriate function of the newly proposed personnel committee.
7.3.3 The group addressed concerns regarding the staffing structure of the WCC,
specifically the function for oversight of staff in the absence of an often-
travelling general secretary. Current staff rules provide the general secretary with
full authority to “delegate his/her authority in the application of the staff
regulations to other personnel of the WCC, either by name or ex officio , in such
fields and for such purposes as he/she shall define”.12 The authority of the
general secretary to delegate responsibilities related to staff issues is clear and is
a management function the general secretary should be encouraged to exercise.
To emphasis the significance of this function and expectation that certain
authority of the general secretary will be delegated, this language has been
proposed to be included also in the WCC rules.
7.4 The moderator and vice-moderators
1 A. 1 The moderator of the central committee (the “moderator”) is the chief
governance officer of the WCC, understood to be equivalent to the chair of a
board of trustees. Together with the vice moderators, the moderator traditionally
has chaired meetings of the central and executive committees and together with
the general secretary, has served as the business committee for the central and
executive committees. Other than naming the positions13 the rules are silent as to
the authority and responsibilities of these roles. The specific short-term
recommendations of the group include proposals for revised and additional
language in the rules regarding the moderator and the vice-moderators and the
officers as a body. (See Annex 6)
1 1 “Role and Responsibilities of the general secretary”, Search Committee, 2008/2009.
WCC Staff Rules. Chapter 1: Nature and Scope, Section 2, Staff Regulations, 2.02.
13
WCC Rules. Article VI. Central committee, 2, officers (a), “The central committee shall select from among its
members a moderator and vice-moderator or vice-moderators to serve for such periods as it shall determine, (b)
The general secretary of the World Council of Churches shall be ex officio secretary of the central committee.”
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7.4.2 The moderator’s role as chief governance officer is articulated as primarily
threefold: providing leadership for the central committee, assuring the coherence
of the work of the governing bodies and facilitating the discernment process of
committees chaired. Additionally, the moderator is expected to accompany the
work of the general secretary and ensure collegial ity among the officers. The
group also recommends that the moderator participate in the annual performance
appraisal of the general secretary.
7.5 The Presidents
The group affirms the important and influential role of the eight presidents. As
currently stated the rules properly describe their role: their governance role is that
of any member of the central committee, on which they serve ex officio ; their
specific role is as advocates to promote ecumenism and interpret the work of the
WCC, especially in their respective spheres of influence.14 Presidents may be
asked by the moderator to moderate certain sessions of the central committee
meetings. Minor changes for clarification to that section of the rules are offered.
(See Annex 6)
7.6 Staff
WCC rules: The structural reorganization that followed the Porto Alegre
assembly required some emendations to WCC rule XII in order to conform the
provisions to the current staffing appointment, nomenclature, titles and the
internal structure for the staff leadership group and the staff executive group. The
proposals for these changes were included in the central committee doc. no. GEN
06 rev 2 February 2008, a document tabled for further work. The group has
incorporated some of these suggestions into the attached annex and recommends
that these changes be adopted by the central committee (see Annex 6). Some of
the changes originally proposed in central committee 2008 GEN 06 rev 2 related
to staff were evaluated as properly belonging within the discretion of senior
management as a management and not governance function. As indicated in
Annex 6, the group recommends that these matters be moved to staff rules.
7.7 WCC staff rules and staff regulations
7 .7 . 1 “On the authority of the central committee of the WCC, the staff rules are issued
by the executive committee, which committee shall be the only authority
competent to make amendments thereto.”15 The group was offered draft
emendations to the staff rules prepared by a staff working group appointed by the
general secretary, including members of the staff representative group. The group
recommends that these proposal for staff rule changes be forwarded for review to
the personnel committee of the executive committee proposed to be established
with the remit indicated in Annex 5.
7.7.2 The proposed emendations include changes to current rule VI, including the
addition of three sections. The proposed sections VI 1.06 and VI 1.07 indicate a
14 Rules. Article V. Presidents.
15 WCC Staff Rules. 1.01.
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role for the officers of the central committee in cases of discipline and dismissal
of staff. Executive committee should consider whether this role should reside
with the proposed personnel committee of the executive committee rather than
with the officers as included in the draft.
7.7.3 Additionally, “best practice” indicates that an organization such as the WCC
have a stated avenue for “whistleblowers” to bring their concerns without fear of
recourse. Some organizations designate an in-house staff person with risk
management audit function, others contract for a third party, such as a
professional audit firm, to provide a whistleblower’s hot line. The staff rules
should include a provision for whistleblowers.
7.7.4 The governance group notes that the staff regulations, issued by the general
secretary16 include “Procedures in Cases of Alleged Sexual, Psychological or
Moral Harassment”17, but does not include a full code of ethics. The group
suggests that a code of ethics, signed by each employee, be included as an
appendix to the staff regulations as part of each employee’s contract.
7.7.5 To the extent that provisions of the staff regulations apply also to the general
secretary, these policies should be articulated in the staff rules, where
amendments are subject to the authority of the executive committee, and subject
to the oversight of the proposed personnel committee.
7.7.6 A number of other staffing issues were included in the group’s remit, including
some relating to management structure. The group’s understanding of, on the one
hand, the proper distinction between governance and management, and on the
other the proper role of the kind of personnel committee proposed in its
recommendations, led it to judge that these issues, although discussed at its
meetings, should not form part of its final report. The recommended revisions to
the Rules in Annex 6 do, in fact, propose deleting all rules concerned with the
staff executive group, as this is judged a management, not governance issue. The
group does, however, wish to recommend:
• that the new general secretary should be required to provide an early report to the
executive committee on how the management of the Geneva-based operation will
be managed effectively both in his absence and presence, whether through a chief
of staff or in some other way; and
• that the executive committee be required to ensure an adequate system is in place
to monitor the effectiveness of the management arrangements resulting from (a)
in delivering what is needed.
7.7.7 The group was made aware of executive committee February 2009 Document
No. 6 related to Staff Policy, including recommendations regarding recruitment,
performance appraisals, secondment policies, staff development, and years of
service, These are precisely the issues that should be housed in a personnel
16 WCC Staff Regulations, 2.01
17 WCC Staff Regulations, Appendix E
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committee of the executive committee tasked to consider and decide on
governance policy related to these issues.
7.8 Committees
7.8.1 The primary committees comprising the governing bodies of the WCC from
assembly to assembly are the central committee and the executive committee. All
three levels of WCC governance have to respond to the need both for
representativeness and efficiency. The higher the level of governance, the more
important it is that to be fully representative of the membership; the closer
governance becomes to the detail of running the organization, the more important
it is that it be efficient. Efficiency requires smallness of size, high level of
relevant skill and access to information coupled with time to handle it. These can
be shown in a diagram as follows:
ASSEMBLY
CENTRAL
COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
7.8.2 As the most representative body, it is appropriate that the assembly is the place
where the identity, ethos, vision and mission are made clear. It is here that the
broad aims and emphases of the movement are identified. Its size, frequency and
the nature of its composition make it an inappropriate place for anything more
detailed.
7.8.3 Central committee shares with assembly a strong representative element. It is
well suited to reflective decision-making and for holding the work of the WCC
accountable to the churches. Its representativeness means it is vital it holds on to
the higher levels of governance. The group would argue that, in addition to its
vital life as a forum for theological reflection, mutual ecumenical learning and
comment on public issues, central committee is the most appropriate body for:
• Broad strategy, including the broad outcomes it is intended the programme work
should deliver;
• Appointing and setting the rules and policy guidelines governing the work of the
executive committee, including the parameters within which it should work;
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• Evaluating the work of the executive committee, and holding it to account for
ensuring the activities of staff and programmes meet the expectations and wishes
of the membership;
• Providing the route through which issues and proposals for action from the
churches are raised within the life of the WCC;
• Electing the general secretary;
• Dealing with issues on which the executive committee feels it needs guidance
from a superior body, since they raise fundamental questions of policy or
ecclesial sensitivity;
• Controlling its own life and regulating its own meetings.
Whilst standard good practice in governance would expect the election of the
chief executive to be at the lower, “efficient” level, the group recognises that the
particular significance of the general secretary’s role in the life of the WCC
requires it to be taken at a more fully representative level.
7.8.4 Central committee should not be cluttered up with other items of governance,
which rightly belong at the less representative, more “efficient” end of the
diagram. The group proposes that all governance issues other than those listed in
7.8.2 and 7.8.3 should routinely and formally be delegated to the executive
committee.
7.8.5 Given this understanding, the executive committee becomes the main locus for
governance of the operational activities of the WCC, not just between meetings
of the central committee but consistently at all times. It puts a premium on
ensuring the executive committee has the skills and competencies necessary for
the role, but also gives the opportunity for a more consistent and focused
approach to governance than is permitted by the present structures. The executive
would, however, be working within the limits and towards the objectives set by
central committee; it would not be free to pursue its own agenda. Concomitant to
the delegation of responsibility to the executive committee would be a new and
stronger attention to scrutiny by the central committee. One possibility the group
explored was a session at each central committee meeting when the committee
would divide up into smaller scrutiny groups, each carefully exploring one aspect
of WCC activities and then reporting back to the whole.
7.8.6 The group was made aware of some of the frustrations experienced by
committees of the central committee as they sought to fulfil their role. The 2007
report of the programme committee core group was particularly trenchant in its
comments. The group explored a variety of possible solutions, particularly
designed to ensure a single line of authority, but ultimately concluded that before
solutions could be reached, it was important to evaluate the effectiveness of the
present committees, not just their remits and structures. Just as a careful
evaluation of programmes is undertaken, assessing their performance in the light
of the outcomes they are intended to achieve, so a similar process is required to
evaluate the WCC committees. The short time period in which the group was
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operating did not allow it to commission and undertake such a review. The group
is therefore recommending that such an evaluation should be set in process as
quickly as possible.
7.8.7 It may seem inconsistent with what has gone before that the group is proposing
the creation of two new committees, as discussed in 4.6 and 4.7. One is intended
as a sub-committee of the executive committee and therefore fits with the more
focused governance role proposed for that committee. Both are also intended to
bring the WCC into line with unchallenged best practice and the expectations of
the Swiss regulatory environment. There is no reason for their creation to wait
until the broader committee evaluation has been concluded, and in fact a number
of significant proposed changes depend upon the formation of the personnel
committee.
7.8.8 The group is not bringing a recommendation on the frequency of central
committee or executive committee meetings. For as long as central committee
retains its present role, the eighteen-monthly interval is extremely unhelpful, as it
bears no relationship to the annual planning and review cycle, nor to the annual
budgeting process. The proposal to delegate the more operational end of
governance fully to the executive committee, however, would remove this
difficulty, as the high-level governance roles retained by central committee
would be less tied to annual cycles. A return to an annual meeting of central
committee is inconceivable in the present financial climate. The group felt it was
unhelpful for the Rules to specify any particular frequency of meeting, as the
present context means that considerable flexibility may be called for.
Consequently the group is proposing to remove the reference in the Rules to
frequency, simply leaving in place the power of the central committee to decide
the dates and times of its own meetings, while leaving the executive free to call
an urgent meeting should one be required. This is reflected in the rule changes in
Annex 6.
8 Questions and ideas for the middle and longer term
8. 1 Although the group has given considerable attention to improving current
structures, the “signs of the times” discussed in section 6 demonstrate that more
thoroughgoing change in WCC governance is very urgent. It was not in the
group’s remit to bring specific proposals to central committee at this stage, as
any fundamental change will need a proper process of consultation with churches
and other stakeholders. The group is, however, proposing that a continuation
process be established to conduct that consultation, to bring definite proposals as
soon as possible. As mentioned in paragraph 1.4, the group recommends that
central committee challenge the executive committee to consider how proposals
from that process can be handled in a way that does not leave all decisions until
2013, as it is the group’s clear conviction that by then it will be too late; financial
exigencies and the actions of funding partners will have forced the issue.
8.2 The group hopes that proposals will be profound. The continuation process needs
to look both at medium term changes that can be made within the existing
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constitution and longer term changes that would need constitutional amendment
at an assembly.
8.3 To help it proceed, the group is offering some initial ideas for consideration. It is
not saying these are the only ways forward, though it has looked at a number.
What it aims to do is rather to prompt the kind of discussion at central committee
that will help those who undertake the continuation process discern something of
the way central committee’s mind is moving.
8.4 Some quite fundamental changes would be possible within the present
constitution. One that would be worth considering, especially as the governance
role of the executive committee deepens, would be to develop a rotational
approach to executive committee membership. One third of the committee could
retire at each central committee, and not be available for re-election. That way a
greater number of denominations and traditions could be represented over time,
the committee would be continually refreshed with new members and the
opportunity given for it to play a part in the ecumenical formation of a greater
number of participants.
8.5 Similarly, traditionally large standing committees like the programme and
finance committees or sessional committees like policy reference have no
prescribed constitutional membership. If for the sake of effectiveness it was felt,
say, that a programme committee of twelve would be more effective than a
committee of forty, or that it should report to central committee via the executive
rather than directly, or that its meetings need not be tied to meetings of central
committee, central committee could make that change. The group is, of course,
proposing that a full evaluation of the effectiveness of the committee structure of
central committee be undertaken, so that proposals for change might be
developed in the context of firm data and criteria.
8.6 In the longer term, any new model needs to be affordable. That would suggest a
significant reduction in the size of central committee or its successor body.
Affordability needs to be balanced with representativeness. Unless the WCC
carries the churches with it, its work will be fruitless. The group considered two
possible ways of retaining a broad representation while reducing numbers by a
half or more. One was to develop a rotational system, where churches are asked
to provide members for shorter, fixed terms according to a rota. There would
need to be provision for balances and for larger churches to be represented more
often than smaller ones. The other was to develop a mechanism whereby
representatives could be appointed through agreement within their regions as
currently provided in WCC Rules Article I.
8.7 Any new model also needs to be flexible. Structures need to reflect what WCC
will increasingly be doing: convening, facilitating, working in partnership with
others, engaging in ecumenical formation, undertaking experimental and
innovative limited life projects. That means making allowance for reasonably
swift decisions in changing times, and suggests either making central committee
more frequent (and therefore, both for cost and good governance reasons very
much smaller) or making it less frequent - perhaps once every two years - and
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delegating more authority to a reconstituted executive committee. The latter
would take further the move the group is already proposing to permit central
committee to do the theological reflection and high level strategising it is best
equipped to do, by moving much of the detailed work - such as budget
consideration - to the executive committee.
8.8 Consideration of flexibility led the group to recognise that decision-making
within the WCC necessarily moves at two speeds. There are operational
decisions that need to be made quickly, often in response to financial or other
priorities, and are hampered by the present slightly cumbersome processes. But
there are also theological and ecclesial issues that need time and space for
reflection and consultation, and must be given it. In many ways the distinction
between the newly-defined role of central committee and that of the executive
committee would reflect that distinction, with central committee focusing on the
longer reflective and inspirational processes and the executive committee on the
shorter-term operational ones. Give that distinction, it might make sense for the
executive committee to include participation by representatives of major partners
of the WCC - the regional ecumenical organizations, Christian world
communions and the specialised ministries.
8.9 Central committee will be considering the work of the assembly discernment
committee. The group recognised two contrary directions in its own thinking
about the assembly, which it continued to see as the vital top level of governance,
providing identity, vision and mission for the WCC as a whole. On the one hand,
good governance requires that every member should have at least one
representative at the highest level of governance, and the body at that highest
level should meet frequently enough to provide direction in a rapidly changing
global and ecumenical context. That might suggest a rather more frequent
meeting of an assembly of at least 350 members. On the other hand, not only
financial constraints but also environmental responsibility challenges the idea of
frequent massive global gatherings. The group felt it unwise to say more about
the assembly until the report of the assembly discernment committee had been
discussed, but feels strongly that the issue will need to be addressed in the
proposed continuation process.
9 Conclusion
Aware that much work remains to be done in the proposed continuation process, the group
presents this report and its recommendations, looking for a future of focused impact,
increased trust and an ever-more-fruitful ecumenical space. As members of the fellowship
of the churches we are stewards of God’s resources who seek to respond to God’s
mission. We must not squander the first nor fail to respond to the second. Good
governance is one, but only one, tool to help us be better stewards and to create more
space to discern God’s will.
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26 Appendix VIII - Remit for personnel committee
The central committee shall appoint from its membership a personnel committee,
comprising no more than seven members and meeting in conjunction with, and reporting
to, the executive committee. The committee should include one or more external advisers,
who shall advise but not partake in decision-making. The committee should include
persons with multi-cultural human resource management experience and ecumenical
vision.
The committee shall undertake oversight of human resources policy, striving always to
ensure the WCC follows best practice in its treatment, development and deployment of
those it employs. It shall not engage in personnel management, which remains the proper
role of the staff.
Areas under its purview shall include:
a) Policy on recruitment and retention, including years of service
b) The code of ethics
c) Management by objective
d) Staff development
e) Policy for redundancy and redeployment
f) Prepare a whistle-blowing policy
g) Grievance and disciplinary policies
h) Support for staff in implementing changes in staffing policy, particular when
significant structural change is envisioned
i) Broad policy on terms and conditions
j) Staff rules
k) Staff regulations
27 Appendix IX - Bylaws of the commission on world mission
AND EVANGELISM
10 Introduction
In 1961, the International Missionary Council (IMC)- which traces its history to the
Edinburgh conference of 1910 - was merged with the World Council of Churches on the
understanding that concerns for mission and evangelism would have a structured place at
the heart of the WCC. This finds expression in the conference and the commission on
world mission and evangelism.
11 Meanings in these bylaws
11.1 The conference means the conference on world mission and evangelism.
1 1 .2 The commission means the commission on world mission and evangelism.
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1 1.3 The officers shall be the moderator and vice-moderator of the commission and
the coordinator of the mission and evangelism team18.
1 1.4 The staff means the staff members of the WCC assigned to work on world
mission and evangelism.
12 The commission
12. 1 Aim - In continuity with the functions formerly carried out by the International
Missionary Council and articulated in the Common Understanding and Vision of
the WCC, the aims of the commission are:
12. 1 . 1 To carry out the aim of the conference: “to assist the Christian community in the
proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, by word and deed, to the whole world
to the end that all may believe in him and be saved” (cf 4.1).
12.1.2 To facilitate the common witness of the churches in each place and in all places
and to help them support each other in their local, national and worldwide work
of mission and evangelism.
12.2 Specific functions of the commission - The specific functions of the commission
in collaboration with staff members assigned to the mission and evangelism team
are:
12.2.1 To advise the central committee of the World Council of Churches through the
programme committee on matters relating to mission and evangelism, including
issues relating to health and healing, community and justice, and assist in the
evaluation and review of programmes as appropriate.
12.2.2 To assist the churches and councils and other bodies in common exploration of
the truth and content of the gospel in relation to culture and the manner of its
public proclamation.
12.2.3 To promote biblical and theological studies on the nature of Christian witness, as
demand arises from the life of the churches in their encounters with the
contemporary world, and from the concerns of the various expressions of the
ecumenical movement in mission.
12.2.4 To provoke the churches, mission agencies and other bodies to discern the
opportunities and priorities for holistic mission, including issues relating to
health and healing, community and justice, in various cultures and power
structures, locally and worldwide.
12.2.5 To encourage common, unequivocal yet sensitive “witness in Christ’s way” so as
to promote the fellowship of the church in mission.
By “mission and evangelism team” is meant the grouping of WCC staff assigned to work on mission and
evangelism within the WCC structure in force. By “coordinator of the mission and evangelism team” is meant
the staff person having a leading role in or for such grouping or any other staff person designated as secretary of
the CWME commission.
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12.2.6
12.2.7
12.2.8
12.2.9
12.2.10
12.2.11
12.3
12.3.1
12.3.1.1
12.3.1.2
12.3.1.3
12.3.1.4
12.3.2
12.3.3
12.3.4
12.3.5
To promote mutual dialogue on mission understanding, practice and relationships
with churches as well as with other bodies not presently related to the
conference.
To communicate the ongoing concerns of mission and evangelism through
publications and other instruments such as the International Review of Mission
and the world wide web.
To recommend to the central committee the holding of and to facilitate meetings
of the conference.
To seek the enlargement, where appropriate, of the circle of formal affiliation
and informal association with the conference.
To set up ad hoc task groups from time to time to address specific issues related
to mission and evangelism, subject to availability of funds.
To raise funds for specific work arising from the conference, subject to the
approval of the central committee.
Structure of the commission:
The commission shall consist of not more than thirty persons appointed by the
central committee. The outgoing commission on world mission and evangelism
shall submit nominations at the appropriate time, to the central committee, for the
moderator and for membership of the commission, according to the following
categories:
the majority should be drawn from the member churches of the World
Council of Churches;
about 25% should be chosen from those nominated by the affiliated bodies
of the conference;
the remaining members should be drawn from a wider constituency.
In choosing members of the Commission consideration shall be given, inter
alia , to proven ability and commitment to reflect on mission, and to
confessional, gender and regional balances consistent with WCC policies.
Members of the commission shall be appointed after each WCC assembly and
shall hold office until the following assembly. They shall be eligible for a further
term. If a member of the commission ceases effectively to hold office during the
term of his or her appointment, a replacement will be appointed by the central
committee to serve until the next assembly.
The commission shall have a moderator elected by the central committee and a
vice-moderator elected by the commission. The moderator normally represents
the commission and the conference on the WCC’s programme committee.
The commission shall report to the central committee and shall work with staff of
the WCC under the direction of the general secretary.
The commission shall keep the member churches and the affiliated bodies of the
conference informed of its work.
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The commission may appoint a small executive group to act on its behalf
between meetings of the commission. Such an executive group would include the
officers.
The commission shall meet normally every 18 months.
The staff of the commission shall be the members of the mission and evangelism
team as assigned by the general secretary. Staff shall report to the commission
but are accountable to the general secretary on behalf of the executive and central
committees.
Finance
The budget for the activities of the commission shall be prepared and
submitted to the finance committee as part of the unified budget of the
council.
Within the overall budget and policies agreed by the central committee, the
commission will oversee the funding and costs of activities and projects.
The commission shall assist in developing financial resources for the work
of mission and evangelism.
13 The conference
13.1 Aim - the aim of the conference is to assist the Christian community in the
proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, by word and deed, to the whole world
to the end that all may believe in him and be saved.
13.2 Governing principles:
13.2. 1 The main task of the conference is to provide opportunities for churches, mission
agencies, groups and national and regional councils concerned with Christian
mission to meet together for reflection and consultation leading to common
witness.
13.2.2 The conference shall normally meet once between assemblies. This conference
meeting shall be convened by the commission with the approval of the central
committee. The moderator and vice-moderator of this conference meeting shall
be the moderator and vice-moderator of the commission together with the
coordinator of the mission and evangelism team.
1 3.2.3 The results of the conference meeting shall be communicated to the constituency
of the conference by the commission and shall also be reported to the assembly
and the central committee through the commission.
13.2.4 Administrative and executive responsibilities of the conference shall be carried
out by the commission and staff.
13.3 Membership of the conference:
13.3.1 Subject to the approval of the central committee the commission shall determine
the size, membership and programme of the world conference, with due attention
to regional, confessional, gender and age diversity within the overall norms set
by the WCC. Due care will be taken to provide for substantial representation of
12.3.6
12.3.7
12.3.8
12.3.9
12.3.9.1
12.3.9.2
12.3.9.3
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WCC member churches and CWME affiliated bodies from names submitted by
these member churches and bodies, along with a number of other persons
involved at the frontiers of Christian mission.
13.3.2 The commission shall take care to maintain an ongoing communication with
member churches and members of the conference following the conference
meeting itself, in order that this body of people may assist in following-up
decisions made by the conference meeting and may serve as interpreters of
developments related to conference followup.
13.3.3 Members of the conference shall seek to promote in their councils and churches
the aims and findings of the conference meeting and the work of the mission and
evangelism team. Members of the conference shall draw to the attention of the
commission matters with which they feel it should be concerned. They shall seek
to promote support, including financial support, for the work of the mission and
evangelism team.
13.3.4 Consultants and observers may be invited to meetings of the conference. They
shall have the right to speak, but not to vote.
13.3.5 Quorum of the Conference - one third of the members of the conference shall
constitute a quorum at any given session, provided that:
13.3.5.1 among them there are members of the conference from each continent, and
13.3.5.2 among the members present at least one third of the affiliated bodies are
represented.
13.4 Affiliation and consultative relations:
13.4.1 National councils or regional conferences which accept the aim of the conference
may become affiliated to the conference. All councils affiliated to the CWME
under the previous constitution shall be regarded as affiliated to the conference
under these bylaws, unless they notify to the contrary.
13.4.2 Churches in countries where there is no affiliated national council may apply for
affiliation to the conference.
13.4.3 A group of churches organized for joint action for mission in a country where
there is an affiliated national council or such an international or intercontinental
group of churches may also apply for affiliation.
1 3.4.4 Other churches which are not members of the WCC and other mission bodies
may apply for affiliation to the conference, provided they accept the aim of the
conference.
13.4.5 Applications for affiliation shall be considered by the commission. The
commission shall consider whether applicants show commitment to do mission
in common and in dialogue. If the application is supported by a two-thirds
majority of the commission present and voting, this action shall be
communicated to the affiliated members of the conference and, unless objection
is received from more than one third of them within six months, the applicant
shall be declared affiliated. There shall be consultation with the member
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churches of the WCC in the area concerned, except in the case of councils or
organizations already in association with the WCC.
13.4.6 National and regional Christian councils and churches and other groupings, may
- while not desiring affdiation - request a consultative relation with the
conference. In such cases, those requesting such a consultative relationship must
accept the aims of the conference. Action on such requests shall be taken by the
commission. Councils and other groupings in consultative relation may send
consultants to meetings of the conference, who shall be entitled to speak but not
vote.
14 Amendments
14. 1 The central committee may make amendments on the recommendation of, or in
consultation with, the commission.
14.2 Amendments may be proposed by the conference, the affiliated bodies of the
conference or the commission.
14.3 Notice of any proposed amendment must be sent to the affiliated bodies of the
conference not less than six months prior to its consideration by the commission.
14.4 The commission may recommend a proposed amendment to the central
committee unless one-third of the affiliated Bodies of the conference have
indicated in writing prior to the commission meeting that they oppose the
amendment.
28 Appendix X - By-laws of the commission of the churches on
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS: AN EXPLANATORY NOTE
A. Wherever there is a variance between the existing CC1A by-laws and the central
committee resolution from the 30 August - 6 September 2006 meeting (see below),
the central committee resolution will take precedence. This specifically, therefore,
will also apply to the number of members of the commission and the expanded and
integrated mandate to encompass the work of the former consultative bodies.
Central committee 2006 minute 9.2.3. 1 - the commission of the churches on
international affairs (CCIA)
The nominations committee affirms, together with the programme committee, the
rationale of bringing four advisory groups into one under the name of CCIA. In the
spirit of full representation and expertise, the nominations committee sees a need for
reviewing the number of members of the CCIA. In relation to that, the possibility of
forming smaller time-limited ad hoc working groups was raised. The nominations
committee recommended the central committee to:
i) combine the four consultative bodies — the commission of the churches on
international affairs (CCIA), the commission of the churches on diakonia
and development (CCDD), the commission of the churches on justice, peace
and the integrity of creation (CJPC) and the reference group on inter¬
religious relations and dialogue (IRRD) — to strengthen interactive,
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integrated and coherent witness; the advisory work would build on the
strengths of each of these commissions;
ii) increase the number of members of the commission to 38 in order to
accommodate concerns brought by the four areas of work combined and to
ensure fuller representation and expertise;
Hi) mandate the newly appointed commission under the name and title of
“ commission of the churches on international affairs (CC1A) ” to revise
and/or amend its bylaws in light of the proposals made by the outgoing
commissions and the programmes that it will accompany, and give
consideration to a name that best reflects the work with which it is charged,
and present them to the next meeting of the central committee.
... The central committee then accepted the above recommendation in the varied form
given above by unanimous consensus.
B. In addition, it is understood that in light of the above:
• Taking into account the increased size of the commission, Article 6.2 of the CCI A
bylaws will require that any thirteen (13) members of the commission or the general
secretary of the council may request a meeting of the commission to be convened.
• Article 6.3 of the CCIA bylaws will permit substitution of members at meetings
without the right to participate in the decision making process.
• CCIA bylaws Article 8.2 (c) permits the moderator of CCIA, in consultation with the
director of CCIA, to authorize a member of the commission to act in the name of the
commission.
29 APPENDIX XI - By-laws of the commission on education and
ECUMENICAL FORMATION
1 Purpose
The commission on education and ecumenical formation (the commission) is advisory to
the central committee of the World Council of Churches through the programme
committee.
2 Aims and functions
2.1 Education and ecumenical formation represents a significant historical strand of
the ecumenical movement. It remains at the heart of the concerns of churches,
congregations, councils, ecumenical organizations, movements and individuals
and enables them to participate in the ecumenical vocation and imperative.
Through education, people and churches learn to be and to act.
2.2 The commission shall, therefore, in collaboration with churches and networks:
2.2.1 foster the understanding and practice of ecumenical learning;
2.2.2 support the churches’ educational ministry within the Christian community and
the world, including that of equipping people in the practice of personal
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discipleship and mission, developing lay leadership, the theological education of
all in the local congregation and promoting human resource development;
2.2.3 through its projects promote ecumenical theological education and ministerial
formation;
2.2.4 educate and form ecumenical leaders, both clergy and lay, for service in parishes,
classrooms and ecumenical centres around the world through the Ecumenical
Institute of Bossey;
2.2.5 create activities to help families, congregations and church related institutions to
be inclusive learning communities;
2.2.6 reflect on and respond to emerging educational needs and developments.
2.3 The commission shall monitor and support the work of staff associated with the
ecumenical formation programme.
2.4 Within the framework of the policies set by the central committee and with the
recommendation of the programme committee and the approval of the central
committee, the commission shall help initiate and carry out appropriate activities
for the furtherance of these aims.
3 Membership, officers and staff of the commission
3.1 The commission shall be composed of no more than 30 members appointed by
the central committee. They shall be appointed after each assembly and shall
hold office until the following assembly.
3.2 The officers of the commission shall be the moderator, who shall be elected by
central committee, a vice-moderator who shall be elected by the commission and,
ex-officio, the director of the programme on education and ecumenical
formation.
3.3 As well as being broadly representative of the membership of the council in
respect of region, culture and confession, members should be appointed for their
relevant experience and knowledge of education and ecumenical formation. At
least 10 members should be representative of networks associated with education
and ecumenical formation, specifically including ecumenical theological
education and OIKOSNET (the world network of laity centres) or any successor
bodies.
3.4 The Roman Catholic Church, and any other body determined by the commission,
shall be invited to send consultants to the meetings of the commission. Such
consultants shall be entitled to full participation in the work of the commission
except that they shall not be entitled to participate in decision-making as defined
in the Rules of the World Council of Churches.
3.5 The commission shall normally meet every 1 8 months.
3.6 The staff of the commission shall be the members of the programme on
education and ecumenical formation as assigned by the general secretary. Staff
shall report to the commission but are accountable to the general secretary on
behalf of the executive and central committees.
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4 Working groups
The commission shall appoint an executive of six people - three officers plus three
commissioners - to meet as and when required, such meetings to take place in Geneva
with advisers/partners present as required by the agenda. The executive shall deal only
with matters which cannot be left until the full commission meeting and circulate a report
to the whole commission.
5 Finance
5.1 The budget for the activities of the commission and its executive shall be
included in the programme as part of the unified budget of the council.
5.2 Within the overall budget and policies agreed by the central committee, the
commission will support the staff in developing and monitoring the funding and
costs of activities and projects.
5.3 The commission shall assist in developing financial resources for the work of
education and ecumenical formation.
6 Meetings
6.1 The time and location of the meeting shall be determined by the officers and
shall normally be set not less than twelve months before the meeting.
6.2 If a member gives sufficient notice of being unable to attend a meeting of the
Commission, the member may nominate a substitute who shall have the right to
speak and participate in decision making.
6.3 If a member of the executive gives sufficient notice of being unable to attend a
meeting, the officers may invite another commissioner as a substitute.
6.4 Persons having special competence on major matters under discussion may be
invited by the officers to attend a meeting of the commission in the role of
consultant or adviser, having the right to speak but not to participate in decision¬
making as defined in the Rules of the World Council of Churches.
6.5 The quorum for a meeting of the commission shall be one half of the members of
the Commission.
7 Amendments to the by-laws
These by-laws may be amended by the central committee in consultation with or on the
recommendation of the commission.
30 Appendix XII - By-laws of the Echos - Commission on Youth
in the Ecumenical Movement
1 Introduction
The World Council of Churches 9th Assembly “endorsed promoting ecumenical
leadership development of youth in the life of the WCC, including the full participation of
youth in all programmes of the WCC. Their voices, concerns and presence must be
brought more directly into the decision-making and leadership of the work and
governance of the Council” (c.f. programme guidelines committee par. 15)
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As a result, the WCC 9th Assembly “directed the WCC central committee to create a
representative body of young adults who would coordinate the various roles of young
adults connected to the WCC and facilitate communication between them. Such a body
would create space for a meaningful participation of young adults in the life and decision
making of the WCC, and would be able to hold the WCC accountable to its goals
regarding young adults” (c.f. policy reference committee par. 14).
After the assembly, the WCC executive committee followed the process in the spirit of the
assembly and “approved the organization of an interim ‘youth body’ to meet just before
the next executive committee gathering in August 2006 so as to prepare a proposal for a
permanent body for action and adoption at the central committee” (c.f. executive
committee minutes May 2006 7.4. 1.3. p. 65). The “interim youth body” met in August
2006 and brought to the central committee a more detailed and concrete proposal based on
the input from youth at the 9th Assembly and their own experiences and advice as
ecumenical youth leaders. After the central committee meeting in 2006, the executive
committee was directed to approve the appointment of 25 youth according to the
guidelines of the “interim youth body”. The “youth body” met for the first time in May
2007 in Geneva, Switzerland and identified its main aims and a new name in keeping with
the spirit from the WCC 9th Assembly.
2 Meanings in these bylaws:
2. 1 Echos means Echos - commission on youth in the ecumenical movement
2.2 The steering group shall be the moderator, vice-moderator and coordinators of
working groups, and the programme executive for youth in the WCC.
2.3 The staff means the staff of the WCC assigned to work with youth/young adults.
3 Name and organization
3.1 The commission shall be called Echos - commission on youth in the ecumenical
movement.
3.2 The commission shall be appointed by the central committee and shall hold
office until the next assembly.
3.3 The commission is a consultative body of the World Council of Churches
responsible to the central committee through its policy reference committee and
programme guidelines committee and shall work with staff of the WCC under
the direction of the general secretary.
4 Aims
4.1 To ensure the sustainable and active involvement of young adults in all levels of
the WCC by developing their leadership skills and advocating for broader
participation of young adults in the WCC.
4.2 To model and encourage intergenerational partnership and dialogue.
4.3 To broaden and strengthen the ecumenical movement through networking with
young adults from local, regional and global ecumenical organizations - inside
and outside the WCC constituency - and facilitating spaces for exchange.
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5 Functions of the commission
5.1 Consultation and mutual accountability within the WCC
5.1.1 To support the young people serving in various roles within the WCC by
facilitating communication and coordination between them (c.f. policy reference
committee report, p.14, Porto Alegre, 2006).
5.1.2 To be a forum for collecting and articulating the issues and concerns of young
people using an interactive and collaborative approach within the WCC.
5.1.3 To advocate for and facilitate the ongoing and increased active involvement of
young adults in the WCC especially by collaborating with the WCC decision¬
making bodies.
5.2 Networking with the wider ecumenical movement
5.2.1 To broaden and strengthen the partnerships between young adults active in
churches and local, regional and global ecumenical organizations.
5.2.2 To facilitate spaces for exchange among active young adults coming from
various churches and ecumenical youth organizations and together take
initiatives which will serve young adults and the ecumenical movement.
5.3 Strengthening ecumenical formation and leadership
5.3.1 To encourage youth ecumenical formation at local, regional and global levels.
5.3.2 To enhance and promote the leadership development of young people for the
ongoing work of the WCC and the sustainability of the broader ecumenical
movement.
5.3.3 To encourage the creation of resources for young ecumenical leaders who are
engaged in the WCC and in the wider ecumenical movement.
6 Membership and structure of the commission
6.1 The nominations committee of the central committee will nominate the members
of the commission. The members of the commission shall be appointed after each
WCC assembly and their term shall last until the next assembly. The tenn of the
commissioners will end if the commissioner does not represent his/her
constituency anymore. The commission will consist of twenty-five (25) young
people (18-30 years old) with the following composition:
6.1.1 Six (6) young central committee members shall be invited to serve. At least four
(4) of these will be expected to serve. One to two among these four shall be from
the executive committee.
6. 1 .2 The members of the commission will consist of one ( 1 ) young person from each
of the following WCC consultative bodies: faith and order plenary or standing
commission, commission on world mission and evangelism, commission of the
churches on international affairs, commission on education and ecumenical
formation, joint working group between the Roman Catholic Church and the
WCC, and joint consultative group between the pentecostal churches and the
WCC.
World Council of Ch urches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 180
6. 1 .3 Members should include at least one (1) young person from Catholic youth and
student’s network and one (1) young person from a church in the pentecostal
tradition.
6. 1 .4 In order to expand ecumenical cooperation, the World Student Christian
Federation (WSCF), YMCA and YWCA (Young Men’s and Women’s Christian
Associations), SYNDESMOS World Fellowship of Orthodox Youth and any
other important ecumenical youth partners and successor bodies (i.e. regional
ecumenical bodies) are also invited to nominate youth to Echos (this could
include one individual from a non-member church). Two to four of these youth
nominated will be part of the commission.
6. 1 .5 The remaining members of the commission will come from WCC member
churches. At least one member from WCC will be invited from the ecumenical
disabilities advocacy network and at least one indigenous youth.
6.1.6 As well as being broadly representative of the membership of the council in
respect of region, culture, gender and confession, members should be appointed
for their relevant experience and knowledge of ecumenism and their active
involvement with youth networks in the church and ecumenical movement.
6.1.7 In the selection process the aim is also to involve as many commissioners who
will be under the age of thirty by the end of the term in order to maintain a
balance of age in the commission.
6.2 The Commission shall have a moderator elected by the central committee. A
vice-moderator shall be from among the central committee members. An
invitation to be vice-moderator will be given to executive committee members. If
all executive committee members decline, an invitation will be given to central
committee members.
6.3 The staff of the commission shall be those working with the project on youth and
young adults as assigned by the general secretary. Staff shall report to the
commission but are accountable to the general secretary on behalf of the
executive and central committees.
6.4 Members who are not able to actively fulfill their tasks will be approached by the
steering group and staff to discern whether they will continue to serve their term
or not. If a member of the commission formally ceases to serve his or her
appointment, a replacement will be appointed by the central committee to serve
until the next assembly. Replacements will keep as best as possible, a balance in
terms of region, church confession and gender.
6.5 The tasks of the Commissioner shall be to:
6.5.1 Attend the meetings of the commission and to participate in its work.
6.5.2 Correspond with the steering group and working groups, drawing their attention
to matters concerning the aims of the commission, and to advise them in pursuit
of such matters.
6.5.3 Keep the churches and affiliated bodies of the WCC informed of its work.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 181
6.5.4 Promote the participation and leadership of youth in the churches and the
ecumenical movement.
6.5.5 Fulfill the expectations specified in the supporting document, called Guidelines
for Echos members.
6.6 Meetings of the Commission
6.6.1 The quorum of the commission shall be one half of the members of the
commission.
6.6.2 The commission shall meet at least four times between assemblies at a place and
time determined by the staff in coordination with the steering group.
6.6.3 In the case of members who give sufficient notice that are unable to attend a
meeting of the commission, the member may nominate a substitute. The
substitute shall have the right to speak and participate in decision making.
6.7 Working Groups
The commission may establish working groups to consider aspects of the work of the
commission. Such working groups shall be given a defined mandate and report to the
commission. The working groups will be facilitated by coordinators who are appointed by
the commission.
6.8 Finance
6.8.1 The budget for the activities of the commission shall be prepared in consultation
with the steering group and submitted to the finance committee as part of the
unified budget of the council.
6.8.2 The commission will receive reports on the budget and funding of the work of
the WCC. The commission will provide oversight of the WCC planning and
policy especially regarding the funding of programmatic activities and projects
related to the commission’s mandate.
6.8.3 The commission should work through appropriate channels to develop additional
financial resources available for the work of youth and young adults.
7 Amendments to the bylaws
7.1 These bylaws may be amended by the central committee on the recommendation
of, or in consultation with the commission.
7.2 Three months’ notice shall be given to members of the commission in respect of
any proposal to consider an amendment to the bylaws at a meeting of the
commission.
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 182
31 Appendix XIII - Seconded staff for the year 2009
Name of
Staff
Country/
Nation¬
ality
Present Role/Title
Church/
Organiza¬
tion
Duty Station
Appointed
By
AGUADO
Maria Ms
Spain
Roman Catholic
consultant in (P203)
Vatican/
PCPCU
Geneva
Church/
Organization
BROWNLEE
Kelly Ms
USA
Development Officer-
Foundations
ICCO
Geneva
WCC
FERGUSON
Christopher
Rev.
Canada
WCC UNLO
Representative (P302)
United
Church of
Canada
UN, USA
Church/
Organization
HELLER
Dagmar Rev.
Dr
Germany
Prof Ecumenical
Theology (P501)& PE
in F&O (P201 )
EKD
Geneva
Church/
Organization
ISAAK Paul
John Prof.
Namibia
Prof. Ecumenical
Missiology (P501)
CWM,
CEVAA,
UEM
Ecum.Inst.
Bossey
WCC
JONASSON
Kjell Mr
Sweden
JIC Associate to the
Executive Secretary
Church of
Sweden
Jerusalem
Church/
Organization
KARUMATH
Y Gervasis
Fr. Dr.
India
Prof: Ecumenical
Biblical Hermeneutics
(P501)
Vatican/
PCPCU
Ecum.Inst.
Bossey
Church/
Organization
LEE Sang
Youn Rev.
South
Korea
Income Development
Consultant
The Korean
Methodist
Church
Geneva
Church/
Organization
MATEUS
Odair Rev. Dr
Brazil
Prof: Ecumenical
Theology (P501) & PE
in F & 0 (P20I)
Christian
Church
(Disciples)
Ecum.Inst.
Bossey
WCC
MONTEIRO
Simei Ms
Brazil
Programme Executive
in (P202)
United
Methodist
Church
Geneva
Church/
Organization
REICHEL
Anja Ms
Germany
EAPPI (P305) EAs
Support & Facilitator
EED
Jerusalem
Church/
Organization
SOLOMON
Chitranjan Mr
India
Communication
Officer, Palestine Israel
Ecumenical Forum
ICCO
Geneva
Church/
Organization
World Council of Churches
Central Committee
26 August - 2 September 2009
page 183
■
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ISBN 978-2-8254-1540-5
©2009 by the World Council of Churches
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